FEMA cancels classes at National Fire Academy amid federal funding cuts
The country’s preeminent federal National Fire Academy canceled classes, effective immediately, amid the ongoing flurry of funding freezes and staffing cuts by President Donald Trump’s administration. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that National Fire Academy (NFA) courses were canceled amid a “process of evaluating agency programs and spending to ensure alignment with Administration priorities,” according to a notice sent […]
Verizon Foundation provides funding to support wildfire recovery in Southern California
The Verizon Foundation is providing an additional $500,000 to support the work of four community partners delivering on-the-ground resources to those directly affected by the Southern California fires and windstorms. These funds add to $1 million already provided to the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation (LAFD). The additional contributions aim to provide support for […]
Los Angeles hosts FireAid concert for wildfire relief funding
FireAid concert raises funds for wildfire recovery in Los Angeles FireAid took place in Los Angeles on January 30, with musicians performing to raise funds for communities affected by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. The concert was held at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, with a livestream switching between venues. Billy Crystal, who lost […]
Sen. Alex Padilla questions Russell Vought on disaster relief funding for Southern California
Sen. Alex Padilla presses Russell Vought on California wildfire disaster aid U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) questioned Russell Vought during his Senate Budget Committee confirmation hearing regarding his nomination as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Padilla expressed concern over the distribution of disaster relief funds for wildfire recovery in Southern California. […]
Protection Vehicles and Equipment Funding Programs open applications
The Fire Services Division, through the Department of Justice and Public Safety has advised municipalities and local service districts (LSD) that applications are now being accepted for the 2025-26 Fire Protection Vehicle and Equipment Funding Programs. Applications for 2025-26 funding programs will be accepted until Monday March 31, 2025. This annual Funding Program requires municipalities […]
FireDome announces $3 million pre-seed funding for AI-driven wildfire protection
FireDome secures funding to develop AI wildfire suppression technology FireDome, an Israeli startup, has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding to advance its AI-powered wildfire prevention system. The funding round was led by Third Sphere and Gravity Climate, with contributions from Atooro Fund, Caesar Fund, and Vertex Ventures. This brings the company’s total funding to […]
$5.5 million in funding for firefighter cancer registry approved through 2028
Congress passes funding for firefighter cancer registry Congress has approved legislation reauthorizing $5.5 million in annual funding for the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer through 2028. The bill, which now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature, aims to continue data collection and research on cancer risks among firefighters. The National Firefighter Registry for Cancer Act, originally […]
Oregon extends program for wildfire defensible space funding
Incentive program targets wildfire-vulnerable communities The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has announced the expansion of its incentive program to support wildfire defensible space projects. This program is now available to more communities in Oregon, offering eligible homeowners and property owners a $250 payment upon completing a defensible space assessment. According to the OSFM, assessments […]
Learn about federal grant funding opportunities for fire departments in the U.S.
Understanding the available federal grants The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has published guidance for navigating federal grants, specifically the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs, as reported by IAFF. These grants provide critical funding for fire departments to enhance safety and operational efficiency. […]
Pennsylvania emergency services funding laws updated to address staffing challenges
Legislative changes to support local emergency services funding Pennsylvania has introduced legislative reforms to enhance the financial flexibility of municipalities in supporting emergency medical services (EMS) and fire companies. According to PA Senate Republicans, the legislative package, spearheaded by Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40), aims to alleviate long-standing financial challenges by amending the state’s municipal codes. […]
