Additional funds for the fire service were included in the economic stimulus plan passed by the U.S. Senate, specifically in the areas of fire stations and wildfire management. Speaking about the plan, President Obama said it would "save the public-sector jobs of teachers, police officers, firefighters and others who provide vital services."

Under the plan passed — which will have to be reconciled with the House of Representatives' version before it can become law — $210 million will be available until Sept. 30, 2010, as grants for modifying, upgrading, or constructing state and local fire stations. Initially $500 million had been requested.

“We applaud Congress and the Obama administration for their swift response to the economic crisis facing fire departments across America,” said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger in a press statement. “This funding will provide immediate aid to struggling communities, but even more importantly, it will be critical to helping jumpstart our ailing economy.”


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