Legislative Services

Sen. Peters introduces Fire Grants and Safety Act, notes March deadlines for current FEMA fire grants

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced Fire Grants and Safety Act (S.559), which would extend federal programs that help support local fire departments across the country.

The bill would reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the United States Fire Administration (USFA). The programs are set to expire in the coming years and are used by local fire departments to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services.

In 2021, Michigan fire departments received more than $10.8 million from the AFG program and more than $8 million from the SAFER grant program. Peters introduced similar legislation that advanced in the Senate last Congress.

“Brave and courageous firefighters depend on critical federal programs to safeguard Michiganders and people across the nation from fires and other emergencies,” said Senator Peters. “By extending these important programs, this bipartisan legislation will help the federal government ensure dedicated first responders have the resources they need to safely fight fires and effectively protect communities.”

The Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes SAFER, AFG, and the USFA until 2030. It authorizes $95 million for USFA – a nearly $20 million increase from current levels, and maintains currently authorized levels of funding for the SAFER and AFG programs.

Applications are closing soon for current FEMA fire department grants:

Apply by March 17, 2023 for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants. 

Apply by March 31, 2023 for Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

Click here to request a Grant Letter of Support from Senator Gary Peters. Local departments are encouraged to contact Eric Keller at Senator Peters' office for assistance in the grant application process at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Click here for more information on the Fire Grants and Safety Act legislation.

Click here for a livestream of the legislation being taken up by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.