WASHINGTON — This Advisory is notification that the application period for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security FEMA Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Program is now open, and will close on Friday, Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. ET.

The purpose of the FP&S Program is to reach high-risk target groups and reduce deaths and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards. Funding under FP&S also supports Firefighter Safety as well as Research and Development (R&D) activities. The allocation of FP&S awards is a highly competitive process. Awards are determined based on an applicant’s ability to both address FP&S program priorities and provide the most compelling justification for their need.

The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2020 (Pub. L. No. 116-93) includes $355 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and the FP&S Program. Of that amount, $319.5 million will be awarded under the FY 2020 AFG Program to assist first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types. The FY20 FP&S Program will award $35.5 million to strengthen community fire prevention programs and enable scientific research on innovations that improve firefighter safety, health and wellness.

Fire departments or other applicants requiring assistance, please visit https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters; call the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program Help Desk at (866) 274-0960; or email them at firegrants@fema.dhs.gov.

The AFG Program Help Desk is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.