In July, FEMA and USFA announced the first two groups of awards. In the first round, 72 departments received $3.9 million in funding for new equipment and programs. In the second round, 281 departments received $23 million.
In the third round, 389 fire departments across the United States will receive more than $28 million in grants. It is anticipated that 5,500 fire departments will receive awards before the end of the calendar year. More than 19,500 fire departments - volunteer and career - applied for grants this year, submitting requests totaling almost $2.2 billion.
"Our goal is to ensure every American community is protected by the most highly trained and best equipped firefighting force in the world," said USFA Administrator R. David Paulison. "We are making a significant investment in the nation's fire departments, an investment that builds upon strong local support that is critical from our local officials and the public."
A list of all current 741 recipients to date is posted on the USFA Web site at www.usfa.fema.gov/grants. Future grant recipients will be listed as awards are made.