The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been closed since February 14. This closure has brought unprecedented challenges upon the nation’s fire and emergency service. Since the United States is engaged in military action in Iran, there is a greater threat of acts of terrorism. The closure of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) fire service programs and the interruption of FEMA's grants creates a great risk for fire and EMS departments as they work to protect their communities.
As part of the DHS shutdown, the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy are closed. The FEMA GO portal is inoperative, which prevents fire departments from receiving funds from their Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants. Furthermore, the application period for the AFG and SAFER grants, and terrorism preparedness grants, including the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) and Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) grant programs will be delayed. Local fire and EMS departments rely upon these grants to maintain the capabilities to respond to hazmat incidents, fires, mass casualty incidents, and other potential acts of terrorism.
Please ask your Senators and Representative to act now and fund FEMA and the fire service grants and programs at DHS.
Jan 20, 2027 - Jan 22, 2027
