Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the deadline to apply for federal fire grants. Local fire Departments now have until 5pm on September 16, 2011 to submit grant proposals. Congress approved $404 million for the Assistance to Fire Grant program which will provide direct assistance to local companies.  All applications are submitted to DHS and go through a non-partisan, merit based review ranked by factors established by a panel of fire service professionals. 

“Since many departments, including some right here in Western New York, are involved in the relief effort following Hurricane Irene, the Homeland Security Department is giving first responders an extra week to file grant applications,” said Higgins, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee. 

Agencies can access a fire grant application through the AFG website at:  http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/.  In addition to the application, a program guidance, and narrative assistance guide are also available online.  Applicants with specific questions should contact the Fire Grant help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or email firegrants@dhs.gov.  

For more information on the fire grant program, please contact Congressman Higgins’ Buffalo office at 716-852-3501.