Michael D. Brown, under secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced $2 million for 49 fire prevention and safety grants that are part of the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program.

The Fire Prevention and Safety aspect of the AFG program reserves the highest priority for projects focusing on the prevention of fire-related injuries to children. Many of these awards represent innovative solutions for the delivery of fire prevention activities throughout the United States.

“On behalf of President Bush and Secretary Ridge, I am pleased to make this announcement,” said Brown. “This week, May 2-8, is National Arson Awareness Week, and some of these programs will be assisting those fire service organizations attempting to reduce fires caused by arson, particularly by juveniles.”

The Fire Prevention and Safety program is the non-competitive portion of the Assistance to Firefighters program. The grants are made available to fire departments and other organizations, especially national, state, local, and community organizations that are recognized specifically for their experience and expertise in fire prevention or safety programs and activities.

The AFG program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.

Fire departments having questions regarding the AFG program can reach the FEMA Grant Program staff at 1-866-274-0960, or via e-mail at usfagrants@fema.gov. For the most current information regarding these grant awards, and any of the many other USFA projects, visit www.usfa.fema.gov or enroll in the USFA email distribution list serve for the most current news releases from the USFA.