After hosting firefighter listening session, Tester announces $167,334 grant for fire prevention

(Big Sandy, Mont.)-One week after hosting a listening session for firefighters and emergency responders with Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Senator Jon Tester today announced $167,334 has been awarded to FireSafe Montana for fire prevention.

The $167,334 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is administered by the Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help firefighters address fire-related hazards and increase public safety.

“As fires flare up across our state it’s important that firefighters have the resources to keep communities safe,” said Tester, a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. “This grant will help FireSafe Montana eliminate high-risk fire hazards and increase safety for Montana families.”

Last week Tester hosted a listening session with Mayorkas to hear from local firefighting agencies about the importance of AFG and SAFER grants to help train firefighters and provide critical funding for equipment.

In 2014, Tester, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped secure $34 million for Assistance to Firefighters Grants for fire prevention and safety. Local fire departments across the nation are eligible to apply for these competitive grants.

FireSafe Montana partners with local fire departments across the state to help coordinate efforts to support fire safety and prevention practices.