Vallfirest appoints Croatia safety division partner

Vallfirest names exclusive partner in Croatia

Vallfirest has appointed Mi Star d.o.o. as the exclusive partner for its Safety Division in Croatia.

The wildland firefighter specialist announced the agreement as part of its international expansion across European markets.

Mi Star d.o.o. will represent and distribute Vallfirest’s Safety solutions in Croatia.

The company will also provide technical knowledge and project support for local stakeholders.

Partnership strengthens Southeast Europe presence

Vallfirest said the agreement forms part of its wider international development strategy.

The partnership adds to the company’s presence in Southeast Europe and places a local partner at the centre of its Safety Division activity in Croatia.

The announcement states that the agreement is intended to support closer coordination in the market through Mi Star d.o.o.’s experience in Croatia.

Multi-agency investigation expected after Glasgow building fire

Investigation planned after Union Street fire

A multi-agency investigation will be conducted into the cause of the fire at a commercial building on Union Street in Glasgow after the four-storey structure partially collapsed.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the fire began on the ground floor of a commercial unit and that it cannot speculate on the cause at this stage.

More than 200 firefighters have been involved in operations since the alarm was raised at 3.46pm on Sunday 8 March.

There have been no reported casualties among members of the public or SFRS personnel.

The fire caused extensive damage to the building and led to the loss of the building’s dome.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “This has been a significant incident in Glasgow city centre, which has involved hundreds of firefighters working tirelessly since yesterday afternoon.

“We have now scaled back and eight appliances, including three high-reach vehicles, remain in attendance.

“The initial response involved crews from Glasgow and Lanarkshire, however any incident on this level would need to draw on resources from across Scotland as we bring in relief crews to take over.

“We cannot speculate on the cause of the fire at this time.

“In line with fire investigation protocols, a multi-agency investigation will be conducted, however due to the significant damage that has occurred this may be hampered.”

Firefighters remain at scene

Eight fire appliances and three high reach vehicles remained at the scene on the morning of Monday 9 March.

At the height of the incident, 18 fire appliances and specialist resources were deployed, including a high-volume pump drawing water from the River Clyde.

Firefighters are continuing to cool hotspots within the stonework and are assisting structural engineers assessing the stability of the remaining structure.

Members of the public have been advised to avoid the area where possible and nearby residents have been asked to keep windows closed as a precaution.

Glasgow Central Station remains closed due to the proximity of the fire to railway infrastructure and the presence of debris around the site.

Commentary highlights vulnerability of historic buildings

Commentary reported by The Guardian has linked the fire to wider concerns about the vulnerability of historic buildings in Glasgow city centre.

Architect and critic Rory Olcayto said: “Yesterday’s fire looks like a tragic accident but it highlights a brutal reality: Glasgow historic architecture is extremely vulnerable and too often those who make this point are called out as nostalgia buffs.

“Until Glasgow treats its built fabric as part of its social fabric, these crises will keep happening.

“Too many senior decision makers in Glasgow still act as if the city has to choose between looking after people and looking after its buildings.”

The Guardian reported that many vacant commercial properties in Glasgow city centre are located in pre-1919 buildings that can be more complex and costly to convert for new uses.

Niall Murphy, director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust and a specialist conservation architect, said: “Everyone assumes that this is a council problem.

“In actual fact, it’s the owners of the building – they’re the ones who are meant to be maintaining the building.”

Murphy said the trust has been working to promote earlier maintenance of historic buildings so that risks are addressed before buildings deteriorate further.

The cause of the Union Street fire remains unknown and a multi-agency investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

United Safety announces Reacton partnership and recapitalisation

Reacton joins United Safety in new partnership

United Safety & Survivability Corporation (United Safety) has announced a recapitalisation and strategic partnership with Reacton Fire Suppression that adds Reacton to its mobile fire suppression portfolio.

In a 9 March statement, United Safety said the agreement brings Reacton into the combined company’s product family and expands its offering across sectors including mining, heavy machinery, defence, transportation, marine, energy and critical infrastructure.

Reacton has operations in the United Kingdom, United States and the United Arab Emirates.

The company said the partnership will combine Reacton’s fire suppression technology with United Safety’s manufacturing base and international infrastructure.

The combined organisation will offer water mist, liquid, dry powder, clean agent and dual-agent fire suppression systems.

United Safety said the agreement will also maintain the Reacton and Fireward brands, along with their existing engineering standards and customer approach.

Expansion plans and customer continuity

Joseph Mirabile, CEO of United Safety, said: “This partnership marks a defining moment in our mission to save lives and protect infrastructure around the world.

“By combining engineering excellence with global scale, we are building the strongest fire suppression platform in the industry.

“I am incredibly excited about the growth opportunities ahead across Europe, the Middle East, APAC, and the Americas as we expand our ability to protect people and high-value assets in mission critical environments.”

Sam Malins, CEO of Reacton Fire Suppression, added: “This partnership is the natural evolution of the journey we began years ago.

“We built Reacton on engineering integrity, simplicity, and trust – growing deliberately, protecting our standards, and earning our reputation in some of the world’s toughest environments.

“Joining forces with United Safety allows us to preserve that DNA while scaling globally.

“I’m incredibly proud of our people and excited for what we can achieve together.

“As a result of the enhanced investment, infrastructure, and global reach, the newly combined organization is uniquely positioned to lead the next era of mobile fire protection, delivering life-saving solutions where they matter most.”

The companies said customers and partners will continue to work with the existing Reacton and Fireward brands as the combined business expands its product development work and international support.

Simplifying pump room procurement: Idroelettrica and Millars Pumps’ approach to fire pump projects

Giovanni Vaccari, Sales Export Manager at Idroelettrica, sets out how collaboration with Millars Pumps combines Italian manufacturing expertise with local UK technical support across the project lifecycle

Sourcing reliable fire pump systems has become an increasingly challenging task for the UK fire industry, across both new build and retrofit projects.

Fire pumps are highly specialised components within a building’s fire protection system, which must perform seamlessly in critical situations.

As a result, they are subject to strict regulations, and must comply with a range of UK and international standards.

In addition, bespoke designs are often required to suit the specific needs of each building according to its use, size, layout and fire safety procedures.

This combination of technical complexity, regulatory compliance and customisation can make procurement time-consuming and complicated, with fire protection contractors and engineers facing long lead times while trying to source the right equipment for each project.

Millars Pumps, the new exclusive distributor of Idroelettrica fire pumps and pump room solutions in the UK, has been created to help alleviate these issues.

 By combining decades of Italian manufacturing expertise with local UK technical support, the aim is to simplify procurement, improve reliability and competitiveness and provide greater support throughout the entire process, from specification to installation to long-term maintenance.

Expert specification

One of the biggest challenges facing UK fire pump projects is getting the specification right at an early stage.

This is essential to avoid late design changes, delays, or even costly remedial work.

Specification starts with understanding and assessing the characteristics of the building, such as the type, use, occupancy levels, number of floors, the planned sprinkler or water mist system design, available space for the pump room, and access to a water supply.

These factors will determine the ‘fire demand’ or amount of flow and pressure the pump system must support, and whether additional equipment such as a water storage tank is required.

Building-specific calculations are made to determine the most suitable pump system, which must then be designed to comply with relevant standards.

At Idroelettrica, our strength lies in our engineering-led approach to fire pump design.

We have extensive experience in manufacturing fire pump systems for global markets, which means we can work closely with Millars Pumps to support UK contractors, consultants and developers during the crucial specification phase.

We ask the right questions and draw from our expertise to ensure pump sets, controllers and enclosures are correctly sized and configured for each application, reducing risk later in the project.

Compliant and future proof

Navigating the standards and regulations for UK fire pump systems is particularly complex.

 For example, depending on the application, fire pumps may need to comply with BS EN12845 which covers automatic sprinkler systems in buildings in the UK and Europe, BS 9251:2021 for fire sprinkler systems in UK residential buildings, NFPA-20 which is an international standard for the installation of stationary fire pumps, or FM 3-7 which covers requirements from the independent testing agency, FM Approvals, for fire pump sets.

 For many buildings, a combination of these will be needed.

Each of these standards brings its own requirements around testing, control systems and documentation which are not only highly technical but are also regularly updated, making compliance increasingly challenging.

 Updates are driven by changes in building use, insurer demands or lessons learned from fire incidents.

 So it’s important that design specifications are not only compliant at the time of design, but also robust enough to adapt to possible requirement changes in years to come.

This is where modular pump rooms solutions can provide a more forward-thinking and future-proof approach.

 While traditional fire pump rooms are constructed on site, with different parties responsible for building work, mechanical installation and electrical installation, modular pump rooms are pre-engineered in their entirety in the factory.

 Working to detailed specifications, the components can be assembled and tested prior to delivery to ensure the complete system conforms to industry standards, offering greater control and reassurance.

Our Idroelettrica factory in Modena in Italy, for example, features a state-of-the-art, in-house testing facility, where all our pump systems are assembled and tested under controlled conditions, providing documented assurance.

Pre-engineered for convenience and access

At Idroelettrica, our most popular modular system is the Firebox.

 It’s a pre-engineered ‘plug and play’ pump room that arrives on site fully fitted, tested and ready for installation.

Firebox combines pump sets, controllers, pipework and the enclosure into a single, integrated solution, manufactured in advance to suit each building’s space, fire protection plan and technical requirements.

For developers and contractors working to tight programmes, where schedule certainty matters, the convenience is a major advantage.

Firebox reduces installation time on site, cuts labour costs and reduces project risk compared to traditional onsite builds.

The innovative design of Firebox means that all sides are also doors that fully open, providing 360° access.

This provides clear working space around pumps, valves and controllers and supports regular inspection, testing and servicing.

Local customer support and maintenance

While manufacturing quality is fundamental, we understand that the long-term performance of a fire pump system depends on effective local support.

Fire pumps require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they continue to be operational.

As our exclusive UK distributor, Millars Pumps provides a direct link between manufacturer and customer, helping to streamline procurement.

This simplified route to market improves communication, shortens lead times and provides greater certainty around delivery.

The team at Millars Pumps are also on hand to support customers throughout installation, commissioning and with ongoing servicing and maintenance.

In this way, our customers benefit from both the expertise of a global leader and the practical, long-term customer relationships available from a UK-based firm.

From factory to site

As fire safety expectations continue to rise, it’s clear that fire pump room procurement is no longer simply a matter of selecting equipment.

 It requires careful consideration of compliance, build quality, programme certainty and long-term serviceability.

 Traditional site-built approaches can struggle to keep pace with these demands, particularly on complex or time-sensitive projects.

Pre-engineered, modular pump rooms, like Firebox, can provide a more controlled and reliable alternative, offering bespoke design with factory-built quality and certified performance.

When combined with the local technical expertise and long-term support provided by Millars Pumps, this approach offers a more resilient model for improving consistency, reducing risk and future-proofing critical fire protection infrastructure.

 Solutions like this that can simplify procurement while enhancing reliability, compliance and long-term value are likely to play an increasingly important role across the UK fire industry in the years ahead.

For more information visit: www.millarspumps.co.uk

This was originally published in the March 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Fire Aware calls for collaboration across fire safety supply chain

Collaboration, charters and a wider duty of care

Fire Aware has said closer working across the fire safety supply chain can help deliver safer outcomes for people in buildings across multiple sectors.

The organisation said Collaboration on legislation, product supply and innovation can help address current pressures facing the sectors it serves.

Fire Aware’s work centres on the moral responsibility of those involved in the fire safety supply chain, including designers, developers, asset owners, managers and other stakeholders.

This, it said, applies beyond specialist fire safety roles and extends across the wider supply chain.

Sectors identified as vulnerable to fire risk include hospitality and healthcare, where building operators are responsible for protecting customers, elderly people and others who may be unable to protect themselves in a real fire.

Collaboration and cultural change

Fire Aware said it aims to influence behaviour in the built environment sector through a moral code of conduct set out in a series of charters.

The organisation described those charters as a way to shape how member companies uphold their duty of care.

Fire Aware CEO Gavin Skelly said: “Our members tell us that when they work closely together the solutions are easier to find and everyone benefits.

“We are all in this together.

“At Fire Aware, we have a community of companies large and small who often collaborate together to find the solution to a problem.”

Skelly added: “We all believe in fulfilling our duty of care and working closely with partners who are like-minded will help everyone to achieve that.

“This is a vocation for life, not a job.”

He added: “The Fire Aware community – and the wider fire safety industry – are all of the same mind.

“We cannot compromise when it comes to safeguarding the safety of people moving about in our buildings.

“That cuts cross all sectors and applies to a multitude of responsible people who may or may not be directly involved in fire safety but want to uphold their duty of care.

“It’s not just about the specialists.

“It’s about the entire supply chain.”

The statement also noted calls for cultural change through moral and ethical behaviours, alongside the role of the independent Building Safety Regulator in promoting competence and higher standards.

FDIS becomes first UK scheme with UKAS fire door inspector accreditation

FDIS gains UKAS accreditation

FDIS has become the first organisation in the UK to receive UKAS accreditation for certifying fire door inspectors under BS EN ISO/IEC 17024:2012.

FDIS, owner of the Fire Door Inspection Scheme, confirmed the accreditation relates to certification of individuals and is intended to demonstrate that inspectors meet the scope and rules defined in the FDIS Competence Person Certification Scheme standard.

The accreditation focuses on individual competence and requires periodic reassessment to maintain certification.

It comes as the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) place greater emphasis on demonstrable competence across the built environment.

Under the BSR framework, individuals must demonstrate the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required for their role.

Organisations must also evidence capability through management systems, resources and supervision.

Louise Halton, FDIS Scheme Manager, said: “The Building Safety Act and The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are clear that individuals must be able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required for their role.

“Fire doors are a critical life-saving component of a building, so the competence of the professionals responsible for inspecting them should not be assumed – it should be evidenced through recognised training, assessment and third-party accreditation.

“In essence, ISO/IEC 17024 ensures a person is qualified to perform a job, while ISO/IEC 17065 ensures a product, process, or service meets specific standards.

“Both standards aim to build confidence and trust through impartial, competent, and consistent third-party assessment.”

FDIS-approved inspectors are assessed through the FDIS Certificated Inspector Workbook and online activities.

The process also includes a portfolio of evidence, a practical on-site assessment in a live environment and a written examination.

Inspectors must complete annual checks including continued professional development and are reassessed every three years.

FDIS data shows remediation demand

Inspection data from 2025 shows that 72% of fire doors inspected did not meet the required standard to pass inspection.

Common issues included excessive gaps and problems with smoke sealing.

Issues relating to care and maintenance were also recorded.

FDIS reported that 70% of non-compliant fire doors required only minor remedial works.

Poor maintenance and incorrect installation were listed among the main safety concerns.

Fire doors being wedged or propped open was also identified during inspections.

Among the doors that failed inspection, hospitals, local authority and housing association buildings, and hotels and residential healthcare homes required the most remediation work.

These environments often experience high footfall and are used by more vulnerable occupants, which can increase wear on fire door assemblies and the need for regular inspection.

Changes in sector practice have also been observed since the introduction of the Golden Thread of information in building safety.

Nearly a third of FDIS-approved inspectors reported an increase in Responsible Persons carrying out due diligence when appointing a fire door inspector.

A further 59% reported rising demand for professional inspections, and 15% reported improved documentation.

Halton said: “It’s encouraging to see a growing awareness and focus on competence and documentation across the sector.

“However, to ensure fire doors continue to meet the required standard once installed, it’s vital that competent fire door inspectors, such as those approved by the FDIS, carry out fire door inspections.

“For building owners, managers and Responsible Persons this means recognising the level of competency required, proactively verifying inspector competence, keeping accurate maintenance records and quickly addressing maintenance needs.”

The accreditation places the FDIS certification scheme within the ISO/IEC 17024 framework while inspection data continues to show widespread fire door defects across inspected buildings.

NAFECO appoints Brandon Oaks as CEO for fire and public safety markets

NAFECO appoints new chief executive

NAFECO has appointed Brandon Oaks as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective immediately, in Decatur, Alabama.

The company said Oaks moved into the role from Chief Operating Officer after the recent death of founder and longtime CEO Jerrell Oaks.

NAFECO serves first responders and public safety organisations across the Southeastern United States.

His appointment continues the Oaks family’s leadership of the business and follows a succession process Jerrell Oaks had worked to build during his career.

NAFECO details continuity plans

As Chief Operating Officer, Oaks oversaw daily business operations and key vendor and customer relationships.

He also worked on supply chain strategy and long-term planning across the company’s core markets.

Brian Oaks, Vice President of Administration, said: “Brandon has been instrumental in the operational strength of this company for years.

“His passion for NAFECO, his deep respect for our father’s vision, and his commitment to every member of this team make him the right leader to carry this company into its next chapter.

“We are proud to move forward together.”

The company said Oaks will lead the business with a focus on continuity and on the customer-first values it associates with the company.

Dubai law sets new safety rules for public spaces and events

Dubai safety law to take effect in June

Dubai has issued Law No. (2) of 2026 on public safety, creating a new framework for venues, events, buildings, pools, beaches, products and daily activities across the emirate.

Gulf News reported that the law was issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, and that it will come into effect on 1 June 2026.

The legislation is intended to protect lives and property, reduce accidents and support sustainable growth in the city.

It replaces Local Order No. (11) of 2003 on Public Health and Community Safety in Dubai, with existing rules under that order remaining in effect until new guidelines are issued, provided they do not conflict with the updated law.

The law sets requirements for public venues and events, including standards for equipment, lighting, ventilation, entry points and exit points.

It also requires firefighting equipment, alarm systems, emergency evacuation plans, first-aid supplies, trained safety supervisors, clear signage and a public safety management plan.

Noise levels and crowd sizes are also addressed, with the aim of reducing overcrowding and protecting hearing.

Duties for operators, residents and owners

Gulf News also reported that the law extends to occupied buildings, homes and recreational areas, including swimming pools and beaches.

Maintenance work in occupied buildings must follow strict safety standards, especially where electrical equipment or other higher-risk tasks are involved.

Property owners, operators and service providers are responsible for complying with the standards and with related regulations issued by authorities.

Residents and visitors are expected to follow safety procedures, cooperate with safety supervisors and comply with evacuation instructions during emergencies.

Beach users must respect designated swimming times, avoid restricted staff areas and follow guidance when using equipment.

The law also prohibits the handling of explosives, fireworks, toxic substances and flammable materials without authorisation.

It bans the sale or use of tools, devices and products that fail to meet safety requirements or create a risk to public safety.

Products covered by the law must include safe-use instructions in Arabic and English.

Penalties and transition period

Gulf News reported that fines for breaches range from Dh500 to Dh1 million, with repeated violations within a year allowing the fine to rise to Dh2 million.

Dubai Municipality and authorised staff from other authorities can record violations, issue reports and involve the police where necessary.

Those affected by decisions made under the law can submit a written appeal within 10 working days.

A committee appointed by the Director General of Dubai Municipality or a relevant authority will review appeals within 30 days, and its decision is final.

Affected parties must fully comply with the law within two years, with a one-time extension available if approved by the Executive Council on the Municipality’s recommendation.

The law states that Dubai Municipality and other authorities are not liable for damages caused by an owner’s failure to comply, with responsibility resting with the owner.

Darley reports new product launches and supplier recognition

Darley update outlines spring initiatives

Darley has used its March and April edition of Inside Darley to outline updates on a new data platform, supplier recognition, defence manufacturing activity and product plans for April’s Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC).

Paul Darley introduced the issue and said the spring and summer Darley Times newsletter includes a feature on Lee Wise, Darley’s new president, alongside operational updates from across the company.

The update introduces the Darley Data Center at DarleyData.com.

The platform allows fire departments to compare operational data with up to four other departments, including response times, duration on scene and incident categories.

The idea for the platform came from Ed Tiesenga, village trustee at Oak Brook, Illinois, who had questioned his local fire department about response times and related performance information.

The newsletter also reports that Pierce Manufacturing named Darley its supplier of the year for 2025.

Darley linked the award to teams in Chippewa Falls and at its headquarters in Itasca who support those accounts.

Mike Darley, one of six fourth generation family members at the company, is set to manage the Pierce account and Oshkosh accounts alongside other large defence prime contractor relationships.

Darley sets out certification and FDIC plans

The newsletter also outlines Darley’s defence manufacturing activity and its progress with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).

Darley said the company was among the first 300 of roughly 60,000 defence manufacturers in the United States to receive the third-party certification required to work with federal government customers.

The update also sets out product plans for FDIC in Indianapolis from 21 to 23 April.

Darley plans to present new wildland equipment at the event, including a wildland pump module and a dual control panel designed for Kubota wildland pumps.

The company also intends to display unmanned aircraft systems, reflecting its involvement in aerial drones, underwater drones and robotic drones, along with counter-drone technology from Dedrone.

Elsewhere in the newsletter, Darley notes that employees and the Chicago Tribune named the company one of the best places to work, following similar recognition from Crain’s Chicago Business and Deloitte in the previous year.

The issue also refers to Darley’s support for The Leadership Podcast as exclusive sponsor for more than five years, noting that the programme’s 500th episode featured Admiral Bill McRaven.

NVFC urges Congress to resolve shutdown affecting fire grants and training

“The nation’s fire service should not be collateral damage to this fight,” says NVFC

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has called on its members to write to Congress to resolve the Department of Homeland Security funding lapse, stating that the shutdown is delaying fire service grants and disrupting federal training.

NVFC said the shutdown, which began on 14 February, has delayed the application period for the Assistance for Firefighters Grants and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants and has closed the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy.

The funding dispute centres on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where Congress passed a broader spending measure on 3 February that kept most federal agencies open through 30 September.

Department of Homeland Security funding was extended only through 13 February.

The Senate did not advance a longer-term Department of Homeland Security bill on 12 February.

The department entered a partial shutdown on 14 February.

The fire service is affected because the Federal Emergency Management Agency is part of the Department of Homeland Security.

The U.S. Fire Administration sits within FEMA.

This structure means a funding lapse can interrupt grant administration and training activity relied on by local departments.

NVFC warning follows grant delays and academy closure

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response programmes are authorised, although they still depend on annual appropriations and federal administration.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs stated on 6 February that funding for the U.S. Fire Administration, the National Fire Academy and the AFG and SAFER programmes had only been extended through 13 February.

In its 18 February Washington update, the IAFC said the shutdown affected FEMA and USFA and expected delays to the application periods for AFG, FP&S and SAFER.

The IAFC’s March 2026 Legislative Hot Sheet says Congress has not passed the final FY 2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill.

The document states that this will delay the application periods for AFG and SAFER.

It also says Congress authorised up to $750 million each for the FIRE and SAFER grant programmes through FY 2028 under the Fire Grants and Safety Act.

House and Senate negotiators agreed on FY 2026 funding of $342 million each.

FEMA fire grant pages currently carry lapse-in-funding notices.

These notices indicate that normal grant administration is being disrupted.

On training, the IAFC’s March hot sheet says the National Fire Academy is closed because of the lapse in Department of Homeland Security funding.

Public-facing course pages show cancellations for February 2026 offerings.

National Fire Academy procedures state that campus operations halt during a government shutdown.

Current classes are dismissed.

Scheduled students are told to cancel travel plans until operations resume.

Public evidence also indicates disruption to the U.S. Fire Administration.

USFA and FEMA webpages remain online and carry notices stating that some site updates and transactions may not be processed during the funding lapse.

Congress would need to enact either a full FY 2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill or another stopgap measure to restore normal operations.

NVFC campaign message to members of Congress

NVFC has also shared a pre written message that supporters can send to U.S. senators and representatives calling for the shutdown to be resolved.

The council said the message is intended to be sent by constituents, including volunteer firefighters, to outline the effects the funding lapse is having on federal fire service programmes.

The NVFC message reads: “As a volunteer firefighter and your constituent, I am writing to inform you of the significant damage the current lapse in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding has had on the nation’s fire service.

“While I understand the controversy surrounding the funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) an agreement must be reached as soon as possible or a carve-out for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding must be made.

“The nation’s fire service should not be collateral damage to this fight.

“FEMA houses many programs and grants that are crucial to the success of the nation’s fire service including the National Fire Academy (NFA), Assistance for Firefighter Grants (AFG), and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER).

“The NFA offers the fire service unique specialized and executive training like the U.S. Army and Navy War Colleges provide for our armed services.

“Each year the NFA provides training for approximately 100,000 fire and emergency service personnel.

“Between the NFA’s shutdown from March to June 2025, the Government Shutdown in late 2025, and this latest lapse in funding, the NFA has been closed nearly 5 of the last 12 months.

“This is unacceptable.

“AFG and SAFER are the most important grant programs serving the nation’s fire service.

“They provide funding for critical equipment and recruitment programs that many local tax bases across the country cannot support, this is especially true of rural communities that are mostly served by volunteer departments.

“This lapse in DHS funding has already delayed the rollout of the application period for these grants and will likely delay their required peer review process.

“If swift action is not taken to restore funding, FEMA is going to be hard pressed to get awards for these grants allocated by the end of the fiscal year.

“Much like last year where, because of the undue time related pressure FEMA was under, there was much confusion about grant awards and less flexibility provided to grant recipients.

“Please act immediately to restore funding to DHS to ensure our nation’s security and preparedness, or at minimum fund FEMA so the nation’s fire service and emergency response capabilities are not compromised any further.

“Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.”