FIRE / SAFER Reauthorization

The Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs are among the most efficient federal grant programs, and have provided significant resources to help local fire departments afford critically-needed equipment and training, as well as add additional fire fighters to their ranks.  Despite the programs' success, improvements are needed to ensure that federal funding is spent in a way that maximizes the benefit to public safety and that grants are distributed more equitably among fire departments.

The FIRE and SAFER grant programs are due to be reauthorized during the 111th Congress.  The U.S. House of Representatives recently took the first step in this process by passing H.R. 3791, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009.  H.R. 3791 makes significant improvements to both grant programs.  The IAFF was intimately involved in crafting the bill and is continuing to work with Congress on ways to improve the programs' effectiveness and ensure that communities with the greatest need can use them to their best advantage.

Read more about H.R. 3791 and its passage in the U.S. House of Representatives:  House Passes Legislation Improving FIRE / SAFER Grant Programs

For more information about the FIRE and SAFER grant programs and efforts to improve the programs, click here:  Fact Sheet

Learn more about the need to reauthorize the FIRE and SAFER grant programs:  Key Points