The PG&E Corporation Foundation has reported that it is providing $950,000 in wildfire safety grants to support fire departments, agencies and community groups in Northern and Central California.
Cofrai secures €2m seed funding to modernise fire protection industry
Cofrai, a Madrid-based startup, has raised €2 million in seed funding to expand its digital platform for the fire protection industry.
IAFF secures $7 million grant for HazMat response training at nuclear facilities
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has announced that it has received a five-year grant of $7 million to support HazMat response training at nuclear facilities in the United States.
Millions in grants transform how volunteer firefighters protect US communities
150 fire departments receive funding for equipment
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has reported that 150 volunteer fire departments across 44 US states have each received a $10,000 grant from State Farm, totalling $1.5 million.
The NVFC explained that the grants are part of the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, announced on 18 August, which coincided with Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day.
According to the NVFC, volunteer firefighters make up 65% of the US fire service and respond to a wide range of emergencies including structure fires, wildland incidents, vehicle crashes, medical events, natural disasters and hazardous materials cases.
The organisation added that many small and rural departments face budget limitations, making it difficult to cover the rising costs of equipment and gear needed to support community response.
It stated that the grants will allow departments to purchase protective clothing, rescue tools, emergency medical equipment and communication devices.
Volunteer firefighters’ reliance on community support
The NVFC explained that volunteer fire departments are often the first line of defence for small communities, but lack of funding places constraints on their ability to serve.
It noted that grants such as these are essential to improve responder safety, operational efficiency and service to the public.
The council added that the programme aims to strengthen local capacity and reduce the risks volunteers face in daily operations.
It reported that the $1.5 million total donation will directly address shortfalls in equipment supply.
Statements from NVFC and State Farm
NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch said: “The NVFC is proud to team up with State Farm to continue the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program and provide critical assistance to volunteer fire departments.
“Firefighting and rescue equipment is expensive, and many departments struggle to find the funding they need.
“These grants from State Farm enable small departments to secure equipment they need to be better prepared to serve their communities and protect their responders.”
State Farm corporate responsibility assistant vice president Rasheed Merritt said: “We are proud to support volunteer firefighters – the ultimate good neighbors who risk their lives daily.
“At State Farm, we’re committed to helping people manage everyday risks and building safer, stronger communities.”
Community engagement activities planned
The NVFC noted that State Farm and the organisation will also participate in local community events this autumn alongside 10 of the recipient departments.
It added that these events could take the form of open houses, fire prevention activities, parades or other local gatherings designed to highlight community involvement.
The council explained that the events will provide a direct opportunity for residents to connect with local fire services.
It confirmed that the gatherings will help highlight the purpose of the grant funding.
Additional benefits for applicants
The NVFC reported that in addition to the 150 grants, State Farm has provided complimentary NVFC memberships to the first 2,000 eligible applicants.
It explained that these memberships give responders access to training, peer support and other member services.
The organisation added that the memberships aim to strengthen the skills and knowledge base of volunteer firefighters.
It noted that this initiative is intended to extend benefits beyond the direct grant recipients.
Growth of the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program
According to the NVFC, the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program was launched in 2024.
It stated that since the start of the initiative, $2.5 million has been awarded to 250 local departments across the US.
The council noted that the programme is intended to provide sustainable funding for equipment and training over time.
It explained that full details of the 2025 recipients are available on the NVFC website.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The NVFC programme illustrates how external partnerships can provide targeted financial support to volunteer fire departments facing resource challenges.
For professionals, this highlights the role of grant funding as a mechanism for improving access to protective equipment and operational tools.
It also shows how organisations can integrate funding with additional benefits, such as memberships and training opportunities, to extend support beyond the initial financial aid.
These approaches may provide models for other funding initiatives in the fire and safety sector.
State Farm and NVFC award $1.5 million in grants to US volunteer fire departments: Summary
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has reported that 150 fire departments in 44 states each received $10,000 grants from State Farm.
The grants totalled $1.5 million.
The programme is called the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.
The announcement was made on 18 August, Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day.
Volunteer firefighters make up 65% of the US fire service.
The NVFC said that many small departments struggle with budgets and equipment costs.
The grants will fund personal protective equipment, medical and rescue tools, and communication devices.
State Farm and the NVFC will attend community engagement events this autumn with 10 recipient departments.
State Farm also provided complimentary NVFC memberships to the first 2,000 applicants.
The NVFC explained that memberships provide training and support services.
Since 2024, the programme has awarded $2.5 million to 250 departments.
Details of recipients are available on the NVFC website.
FBU warns of UK fire service funding crisis after Dorset and Edinburgh wildfires
Dorset and Edinburgh wildfires stretch fire service resources
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned that UK fire services lack the resources to keep the public safe following two wildfires within 24 hours.
According to the union, a major incident was declared at a wildfire in Holt Heath, Dorset, while firefighters also attended a wildfire on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh over the weekend.
The FBU said the incidents occurred as temperatures were expected to rise this week, creating conditions for more fire and rescue callouts.
It stated that funding cuts have left services without enough crews or equipment to respond effectively.
The union added that firefighters from five neighbouring services were required to assist Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service at Holt Heath, leaving parts of the region without fire cover.
Emergency measures triggered in Dorset and Wiltshire
The FBU said Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently operating with fewer than 30 of its 74 fire engines available.
It stated that this shortfall has triggered an emergency mobilisation policy where fewer appliances are dispatched to incidents.
According to the union, the lack of available appliances in Dorset had knock-on effects for other services in the South of England.
It highlighted Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service as one of the impacted services.
The union added that Hampshire and Isle of Wight firefighters have been warned of further planned cuts to the service totalling £1.6 million.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight availability concerns
The FBU said firefighters in Hampshire and Isle of Wight were sent an alert this weekend stating that only 23 of 80 fire engines were available across the county.
It stated that the low availability followed the deployment of crews to assist at Holt Heath.
According to the union, these availability figures mean that some areas were left without an immediate fire service response capacity.
It said that reduced numbers of available appliances put residents at risk.
The union has linked these shortfalls to ongoing budget reductions.
Union calls for government action
FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “Wildfires are intensive and dangerous incidents, requiring large numbers of firefighters and specialist equipment and resources.
“These incidents are on the rise as a result of the climate emergency and, as the last 24 hours have shown, they are happening in areas across the UK.
“But after over a decade of budget cuts, with 1 in 5 firefighter posts axed, fire and rescue services do not have the resources to cope.
“To protect the public, the government must provide the investment needed to address this crisis and rebuild resilience.”
Southern region impact described by FBU executive
FBU executive council member for the Southern region Val Hampshire said: “The major incident at Holt Heath in Dorset has revealed the severity of the crisis that fire and rescue services face due to underfunding.
“Firefighter crews have travelled from across the entire region to assist, leaving large areas without fire cover and thousands of residents without fire engines available to respond to calls.
“Cuts mean that we have fewer firefighters available everywhere, covering larger areas in smaller crews.
“Meanwhile, we are seeing chief fire officers threatening to make even more cuts in services such as Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
“Westminster must address this ticking time bomb and provide the funding fire and rescue services desperately need.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This warning from the FBU highlights the operational risks that resource shortages can pose during high-demand periods such as wildfire outbreaks.
Reduced appliance availability and cross-service crew mobilisation may impact incident response times and the scale of the initial firefighting effort.
For professionals in the sector, the situation underscores the importance of contingency planning, mutual aid agreements, and resource allocation strategies to maintain cover during large-scale incidents.
FBU warns of UK fire service funding crisis after Dorset and Edinburgh wildfires: Summary
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has reported that UK fire services lack the resources to protect the public after two wildfires in Dorset and Edinburgh within 24 hours.
It said a major incident was declared at Holt Heath in Dorset, with crews drawn from five neighbouring services.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is operating with fewer than 30 of 74 fire engines, triggering emergency mobilisation rules.
The FBU said Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service had only 23 of 80 fire engines available over the weekend.
General secretary Steve Wright linked the resource shortfall to over a decade of budget cuts.
FBU executive council member Val Hampshire said large areas were left without fire cover due to the incident response.
The union called for government investment to address the funding crisis and restore fire and rescue capacity.
California expands wildfire funding amid federal resource concerns
Wildfire grant funding announced amid ongoing resource pressure
The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom has reported that California will make $135 million available through the CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grants Programme to fund new and existing projects that aim to protect communities from wildfire.
According to the Office, applications are now open for the grants, which support local initiatives including fuel reduction, community wildfire protection planning, and public education.
The Governor’s Office stated that this additional funding follows a $72 million forest health announcement made in June, as part of the $2.5 billion California has allocated to wildfire prevention since Governor Newsom took office.
The announcement comes at a time when, according to the Governor’s Office, federal cuts to the US Forest Service and the deployment of National Guard units to Los Angeles have reduced the availability of state firefighting resources.
The Office said the California National Guard’s Task Force Rattlesnake is operating at around 40 percent capacity, which has added pressure to state-led firefighting operations.
New funding to support local prevention and planning
The Governor’s Office explained that CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants will support a range of on-the-ground initiatives that contribute to slowing fire spread and protecting lives and property.
In Los Angeles County in 2025, wildfire prevention grants helped fund proactive vegetation management and defensible space projects that protected historic structures and residential homes.
In Sonoma County in 2024, more than 300 acres of shaded fuel breaks were created using grant funding. The Office noted that these fuel breaks slowed fire spread, assisted firefighter operations, and enabled safe evacuations.
California State Fire Marshal Chief Daniel Berlant said: “These examples demonstrate how grant funds are effectively helping to improve wildfire resilience in California communities through thoughtful planning and preventative work funded through CAL FIRE grants.”
“Over the last five years, over $500 million has been awarded to over 490 projects across the state.”
California outlines broader wildfire resilience strategy
The Governor’s Office noted that the funding programme is part of a broader strategy to increase California’s wildfire resilience.
Since 2019, CAL FIRE has expanded its staffing by an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal personnel annually.
Over the next four years, the agency plans to recruit thousands more personnel, including firefighters, natural resource professionals, and support staff.
The Office stated that these increases are intended to meet the growing need for fire readiness as California experiences drier and hotter climate conditions.
Fast-tracked projects and aerial firefighting fleet expansion
According to the Governor’s Office, 20 new vegetation management projects covering nearly 8,000 acres have recently been approved for fast-tracking under a new regulatory streamlining initiative.
This follows an emergency proclamation issued in March which enables forest management projects to proceed more quickly in high-risk areas.
The state has also introduced additional firefighting aircraft capacity. Governor Newsom’s Office announced that California’s second C-130 Hercules airtanker is now operational.
The aircraft joins what the Office calls the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet.
Federal actions impact state preparedness, says Governor’s Office
The Governor’s Office directly attributed the reduced capacity of the California National Guard’s firefighting support crews to actions taken by President Donald Trump.
The Office said the “illegal militarisation” of Los Angeles had removed critical personnel from Task Force Rattlesnake.
The statement added that combined with what it characterised as “dangerous cuts” to the US Forest Service, these moves could increase risks for communities across California.
Governor Newsom said: “We won’t let Trump stand in the way of protecting Californians from catastrophic wildfire.
“We’re making millions more available to fund projects that are proven to keep communities safe.”
California expands wildfire funding amid federal resource concerns: Summary
California will provide $135 million in new wildfire prevention grant funding.
The funding will be delivered through CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Programme.
The announcement was made by the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom.
Eligible projects include vegetation management, defensible space, and public education.
The programme follows a $72 million forest health funding announcement in June.
Since 2019, California has invested $2.5 billion in wildfire prevention.
Task Force Rattlesnake is operating at 40 percent capacity, according to the Governor’s Office.
The Governor’s Office attributed reduced state support to President Trump’s use of National Guard personnel.
Over 490 projects have been funded in the past five years through CAL FIRE grants.
California has also expanded its aerial firefighting fleet with a second C-130 Hercules airtanker.
NFCC warns of fire service strain after exclusion from Spending Review
Government review draws criticism from UK fire chiefs
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has raised concerns about the exclusion of fire and rescue services from the UK Government’s latest Spending Review.
According to the NFCC, the omission poses risks to community safety and reflects a lack of national recognition for fire service contributions to emergency response.
NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said the service has faced prolonged underfunding, leading to a 25% reduction in firefighter numbers in England since 2008 and deteriorating infrastructure.
The organisation added that it will continue working with the Fire Minister and hopes the broader funding settlement for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will include support for fire and rescue services.
The NFCC is the professional voice of fire and rescue services in the UK and operates as an independent membership association and charity.
Long-term funding reductions impact frontline capacity
The NFCC reported that firefighter numbers in England have declined by approximately 11,000 over the past decade.
This figure represents a 25% decrease in wholetime firefighters – those permanently based at fire stations as their main job – since 2008.
The organisation said this decline has placed increased pressure on the remaining workforce and contributed to inconsistency in service delivery across regions.
Phil Garrigan said: “We have seen prolonged disinvestment in fire and rescue services over many years.”
He added: “The reality of this is that we now have 11,000 fewer firefighters than we did a decade ago.”
He continued: “We have fire stations that are falling apart, and we have a big challenge in delivering consistency across services.”
National recognition of fire and rescue role called for
The NFCC said the absence of fire and rescue services from the Spending Review fails to reflect the role they play in responding to major emergencies.
Phil Garrigan said: “Today’s Spending Review makes no direct mention of fire and rescue services and that is concerning.
“Our communities already understand that firefighters are on the frontline response to every major incident our country faces, and we need government to recognise that too.”
He continued: “If we are to continue to keep communities safe and do justice to the incredible work of fire and rescue staff, there must be a fundamental shift in how we value this service at a national level.”
Commitment to collaboration despite uncertain funding
Despite uncertainty around future finances, the NFCC said it remains committed to engaging with government to secure support.
Garrigan said: “Our financial position is uncertain, but we are committed to working with the Fire Minister.”
He added: “Our hope is that fire and rescue services will be supported through the broader settlement for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.”
The NFCC confirmed that further information on the financial challenges facing the sector is available on its website.
Broader implications for fire service infrastructure and planning
The NFCC said the combination of staff reductions and ageing infrastructure has implications for the ability of fire services to respond effectively to emergencies.
It added that differences in funding and resourcing between local services may affect response times, training and community engagement.
The organisation noted that addressing these challenges will require structural reforms and sustained investment across the UK.
It also emphasised that national recognition of the sector’s contributions is key to ensuring long-term resilience and preparedness.
NFCC warns of fire service strain after exclusion from Spending Review: Summary
The NFCC has responded to the UK Government’s June 2025 Spending Review.
The organisation said the review made no direct mention of fire and rescue services.
NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said this was concerning.
He stated that fire services have seen prolonged disinvestment over many years.
The NFCC said firefighter numbers in England have dropped by 11,000 since 2008.
This represents a 25% reduction in wholetime firefighters.
The organisation also said some fire stations are in poor condition.
It highlighted difficulties in achieving consistency between local services.
The NFCC said national recognition of the sector’s role is needed.
It expressed hope for support via the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government settlement.
The organisation confirmed its commitment to working with the Fire Minister.
It described the financial position of the sector as uncertain.
The NFCC is the professional voice of the UK fire and rescue service.
It is a charity and independent membership body.
IAFC outlines Trump Administration’s FY 2026 fire and emergency budget plans
US fire service funding maintained, homeland grants reduced
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has reported that President Trump released more details of the FY 2026 United States budget proposal on 31 May.
According to the IAFC Government Relations and Policy Department, the budget proposes level funding for key fire service grant programmes but includes reductions in other homeland security areas.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programmes would each receive $324 million.
This matches funding levels approved for FY 2024 and FY 2025.
The State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) would decrease from $468 million to $351 million.
The Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) would be reduced from $553.5 million to $415.5 million.
The U.S. Fire Administration would receive $64.166 million, including funding for the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS).
Wildland fire service restructured under new agency
The IAFC stated that the Trump Administration proposes creating a U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) under the Department of the Interior.
This agency would consolidate all federal wildland fire response bureaus and functions.
The USWFS would oversee suppression response, wildfire risk reduction, and coordination with non-federal partners.
It would also employ all federal wildland firefighting personnel, manage federal fire equipment, and direct response policy.
A separate $2.85 billion Wildfire Operations Reserve Fund would also be established.
Existing programmes within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including State Fire Assistance and Volunteer Fire Assistance, would be eliminated and potentially transferred to the USWFS.
The budget includes permanent salary increases for federal and tribal wildland firefighters.
According to the IAFC, the proposed funding covers new special salary rates and premium incident response pay introduced in Public Law 119–4.
Tribal nations would also receive funds to offer similar pay increases.
Health and safety provisions for fire and EMS personnel
The FY 2026 budget includes $94.7 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services.
The IAFC reported that several public health agencies would be consolidated into a new Administration for a Healthy America, with a $19 billion allocation.
The National Firefighter Registry for Cancer would receive $6 million, representing a $500,000 increase.
The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory would be defunded.
The World Trade Center Health Program would continue to receive federal support.
According to the IAFC, the State Opioid Response and other behavioural health emergency grants are being reorganised into a single Behavioral Health Innovation Block Grant.
The effects on the rural health-focused SIREN programme remain uncertain.
A further reorganisation would create a $3.7 billion Assistant Secretary for a Healthy Future by combining the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response with ARPA-H.
Hazmat and transportation safety funding allocated
The IAFC reported that the Department of Transportation would receive $121.4 million for Hazardous Materials Safety and Emergency Preparedness Grants under the FY 2026 proposal.
This includes $66.9 million for hazmat safety operations.
A further $48.8 million would be allocated to hazmat training grants for first responders and local governments.
An additional $2.5 million is allocated for Pipeline Emergency Response Grants.
The Information Grants to Communities programme would receive $2 million.
The IAFC said these allocations support frontline response capabilities in hazardous material incidents.
IAFC urges congressional protection of local emergency support programmes
The IAFC stated that it will continue to advocate for strong federal support for fire and EMS departments.
The organisation noted concerns about a policy shift that places more responsibility for emergency response on individual states.
It said such changes must not weaken the role of federal programmes in supporting local responders.
The IAFC encouraged its members to remain updated on legislative developments as Congress begins reviewing and amending the FY 2026 budget proposal.
IAFC outlines Trump Administration’s FY 2026 fire and emergency budget plans: Summary
President Trump released further details of the FY 2026 budget on 31 May 2025.
The IAFC reported that AFG and SAFER fire service grants would remain funded at $324 million each.
Homeland security grants SHSGP and UASI would be reduced.
The U.S. Fire Administration would receive $64.166 million, including support for NERIS.
The Trump Administration proposes creating a new U.S. Wildland Fire Service under the Department of the Interior.
The new agency would consolidate federal wildland fire responsibilities and personnel.
A $2.85 billion Wildfire Operations Reserve Fund would also be established.
State Fire Assistance and Volunteer Fire Assistance programmes would be discontinued.
The budget includes pay increases for federal and tribal wildland firefighters.
The Department of Health and Human Services would be reorganised under a $94.7 billion proposal.
The National Firefighter Registry for Cancer would receive a $500,000 funding increase.
The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory would be defunded.
Hazardous materials safety and training grants would total $121.4 million under the Department of Transportation.
The IAFC stated it will continue to advocate for federal funding of fire and EMS departments.
Fire and rescue services in England face funding shortfall as incident rates rise
Fire and rescue incident demand rises 20% in England
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has reported that fire and rescue services in England attended over 600,000 incidents in 2024, a 20% increase compared with 2014.
According to NFCC analysis of Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government data, fire and rescue services responded to 600,185 incidents in the year ending December 2024, compared to 499,934 incidents in 2014.
The NFCC said the number of non-fire incidents has increased by 65% over the same period, from 128,488 in 2014 to 211,631 in 2024.
Collaboration incidents and public health emergencies increase demands
The NFCC reported that in 2024, fire and rescue services in England attended 72,694 collaboration incidents, an 11% increase on the previous year.
It said these included responding to incidents alongside other emergency services, assisting entry and exit, and attending suicide-related events.
The NFCC stated that the number of suicide-related incidents attended by fire and rescue services rose from 1,119 in 2014 to 3,184 in 2024, an increase of 184%.
The organisation noted that such incidents have steadily increased in the last decade, alongside wider public health challenges.
Climate change increases wildfire and flooding callouts
According to the NFCC, the number of flooding incidents attended by fire and rescue services has increased by 18% in recent years.
It said the 5-year rolling average rose from 13,854 between 2012 and 2019, to 16,412 between 2019 and 2024.
The NFCC added that 225 wildfires had already been attended as of 27 May 2025, compared with 34 for the same period in 2024 and 106 in 2022, which was a record year for wildfires.
The council stated that these trends show fire and rescue services are responding to risks directly linked to the climate crisis.
Workforce reductions and underinvestment raise concerns
The NFCC said the number of wholetime firefighters in England has fallen by 25% since 2008, a reduction of approximately 11,000 personnel.
It estimated that fire and rescue services have lost nearly £1 billion in capital investment since the removal of the capital funding grant in 2014/15.
According to the NFCC, this loss has affected the ability of services to maintain and modernise infrastructure, including fire stations.
NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “These figures are unequivocal – fire and rescue services are busier now than they were 10 years ago, and we are taking on more responsibility, not less.
“The risks faced are now more challenging and more complex.
“Despite this fact, we are seeing firefighter numbers falling, whereas all other public services are seeing their numbers return to pre-austerity levels.”
Garrigan added: “Our work to support our blue light colleagues is crucial in maintaining public safety and we welcome the opportunity to make a real difference but, if it is to be sustained against a backdrop of increasing demand, we need to see investment back into the fire and rescue service.”
“If we leave fire and rescue services without proper financial support and investment, we risk undermining public and firefighter safety.
“When it comes to wildfires, flooding and terrorism – fire and rescue services are right at the heart of the response.
“If we fail to invest, then we need to be prepared to answer to the communities that rely on these services in their greatest time of need.”
Garrigan continued: “The world has changed, and we cannot rely on an outdated funding model that has removed all capital funding and hasn’t responded to a changing demand profile or the impact of the climate change crisis to underpin a service as crucial as fire and rescue.”
Fire and rescue services in England face funding shortfall as incident rates rise: Summary
The National Fire Chiefs Council has reported that fire and rescue services in England responded to 600,185 incidents in 2024.
This represents a 20% increase compared to 2014.
The number of non-fire incidents rose from 128,488 in 2014 to 211,631 in 2024.
Collaboration-related callouts increased by 11% in 2024, reaching 72,694 incidents.
Suicide-related incidents increased by 184% over the last decade.
The 5-year average for flooding incidents rose by 18% since 2019.
Fire and rescue services responded to 225 wildfires by 27 May 2025.
This is over 100 more than during the same period in 2022.
The NFCC estimates a £1 billion capital investment loss since 2014/15.
Firefighter numbers in England have declined by 25% since 2008.
The NFCC has called for renewed investment in fire and rescue services.
FEMA announces 2025 funding to support trained firefighters
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.