Federal fire departments, including those funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs are not eligible. We are to ensure that grants are made to career, volunteer, and combination fire departments. The funds will be apportioned based on NFPA statistics regarding type of departments and percent of population protected. The legislation requires that the grants be awarded directly to individual fire departments. If a single fire department applies for funds to develop a program that is then used regionally, the application would be eligible for consideration.
Fire engines are a higher funding priority than quints, aerial, and ladder trucks.
Equipment that would normally be included on the apparatus can be included in the grant request. For example, usually the RFP for fire engines includes ladders, hoses, and some appliances. However, they would not normally include extrication equipment or a thermal imager. The grant will not cover vehicles, equipment, or projects that have already been initiated, ordered, or received. Likewise, grant funds may not be used to pay off existing loans.