Fire departments began applying for 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grants on March 7 with the termination of the one-month application period scheduled for 5 p.m. EST on April 8.

The Department of Homeland Security also announced application periods for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants and the FIRE Grant's fire prevention and safety grants. Applications for the SAFER grants will be accepted May 31-June 28, and fire prevention and safety grant applications will be accepted in September.

The applications are automated and accessible via the FIRE Grant Web site at www.firegrantsupport.com. The site contains useful background information on program priorities and guidance, as well as a tutorial on applying for each program and other useful materials.

The DHS Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness administers the grant program with assistance from the USFA. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.

To date more than 20,000 fire departments have received grants to improve the effectiveness of response operations and to improve firefighter health and safety programs. This year the program rules allows for non — fire-based EMS organizations to apply for FIRE grants.

The SAFER grants provide funding for the hiring of fire personnel and incentives for volunteer recruitment and retention. Congress has appropriated $715 million for the FIRE Grants, with $65 million of this funding specified for SAFER.

Fire departments with questions should contact the Help Desk at 866-274-0960 or at fire grants@dhs.gov.