This bill was the first comprehensive legislation dedicated to meet the special needs of America's 32,000 volunteer, paid and part-paid fire departments. Firefighters are our nation's 'first responders' and very often they are the last to leave. Yet, until passage of the FIRE Act, and implementation of the FIRE grant program, the federal government has shown very little commitment to them and to the communities they serve. Grants will be awarded directly to local fire departments best able to identify their needs to be used to hire new personnel, initiate education and training programs, or to purchase new equipment. According to FEMA officials, grants will be awarded in seven categories.
Fire departments are eligible to apply for grants in up to two categories.