FEMA announces 2025 funding to support trained firefighters
Iain Hoey
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Grant funding to increase firefighter staffing and safety opens in the United States
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reported the availability of $396 million in grant funding for United States fire departments and firefighter organisations under two federal programmes.
FEMA stated the Fiscal Year 2024 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programme will provide $360 million to support the recruitment and retention of trained firefighters.
An additional $36 million will be distributed under the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant programme to support community fire prevention initiatives and research focused on firefighter safety and health.
SAFER programme to support recruitment of firefighters
FEMA reported that the SAFER programme is designed to help fire departments increase or maintain the number of trained firefighters in their communities.
The agency said the grants may be used to help departments meet minimum industry staffing standards and ensure 24-hour personnel coverage, in addition to supporting traditional fire service operations.
FEMA stated that since 2005, the SAFER programme has distributed approximately $5.2 billion in grants to fire departments and firefighter organisations.
FP&S programme to support prevention and health research
FEMA explained that the FP&S programme funds initiatives that enhance fire prevention and safety for both firefighters and the public.
According to FEMA, eligible applicants include local and Tribal governments, fire departments, academic institutions, and nonprofit organisations. Projects supported include public fire safety education and research on behavioural, social, and occupational health issues.
The agency noted that since its inception in 2002, the FP&S programme has awarded nearly $900 million in grants.
Previous recipients report impact of funding
FEMA cited the Medway Fire Department in Massachusetts as an example of SAFER programme impact. The department received $741,443 to hire four new firefighters.
Chief Jeff Lynch said: “Due to the presence of a firefighter hired using SAFER funding, the department was able to respond with additional personnel to a house fire on March 20, 2019.”
He added: “Firefighters rescued the family dog and contained the fire in time to save the home and their belongings.”
FEMA also noted that the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association has received over $3.5 million in FP&S funding since 2016. The organisation used the funds to develop ResponderSafety.com and training programmes addressing firefighter risks on roadways.
Application timeline and guidance
FEMA stated that the application period for both SAFER and FP&S grants opens on 23 May 2025 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time and closes on 3 July 2025 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Technical assistance documents and funding opportunity details are available on www.grants.gov and the FEMA website.
Applicants can also find guidance and information on upcoming webinars via the FEMA website.
FEMA announces 2025 funding to support trained firefighters: Summary
FEMA has announced $396 million in grant funding for United States fire departments and firefighter organisations.
$360 million will be available through the SAFER programme to support the hiring and retention of trained firefighters.
$36 million will be available through the FP&S programme for fire prevention and safety research.
The application period for both programmes opens on 23 May 2025 and closes on 3 July 2025.
The Medway Fire Department and Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association have previously received funding from these programmes.
FEMA said SAFER grants help departments maintain staffing and response capabilities.
FP&S grants support research and educational initiatives to improve firefighter safety.
Since 2005, SAFER has awarded $5.2 billion in grants.
Since 2002, FP&S has distributed nearly $900 million.
Application guidance and resources are available on the FEMA website and www.grants.gov.