Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will award $27.5 million this year through the 2004 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants program.  The Fire Prevention and Safety Grants fund projects related specifically to fire prevention. 

The Fire Prevention and Safety Grants program is part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program that awards funding each year to help local fire departments purchase equipment, fund health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire education and prevention programs.  Fire departments as well as national, regional, state or local organizations with expertise in fire prevention are eligible to apply for these grants.

"It is critical that our first responders have the tools they need to protect our lives and our property," said Cramer.  "Since this program's inception, these grants have helped firefighters educate our community about fire prevention as well as conduct other activities that have helped save lives in our area.  I'm pleased that the Department of Homeland Security is once again offering these grants to local fire departments across the country and I encourage North Alabama's first responders to apply."

Applications for the 2004 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants must be received by September 30, 2004. Applications can be submitted online at https://portal.fema.gov. 

For more information on the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants as well as the Assistance to firefighters Grant Program please visit http://www.firegrantsupport.com.