Fire departments and state or local organizations representing the interests of volunteer firefighters have only one week remaining in which to apply for 2006 SAFER grants. The application period ends at 5 p.m. EDT June 30, and only applications submitted by that deadline will be considered for grant awards. The Assistance to Firefighter Grant program office reports that as of June 16, over 1600 applications had been initiated online, but less than 10% had been completed and submitted

SAFER grants are intended for the hiring of firefighters, or the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. Applications are automated and accessible via the AFG Web site at www.firegrantsupport.com. The site contains information on the SAFER program, including the FY2006 funding priorities and program guidance, a Web-based tutorial on preparing an application, a listing of frequently asked questions, and other materials.