WASHINGTON, D.C. — FEMA has announced that it will make $100 million in emergency funding available for firefighters to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE). FEMA began accepting applications on April 28, and fire departments have until May 15 to apply for the funding. 

The CARES Act included $100 million in supplemental funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to be used for the purchase of PPE, including for reimbursement of PPE expenses. 

Earlier this month, members of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor, urging him to expedite the release of this funding for PPE, according to a news release.

The senators instructed FEMA to work quickly to develop guidance so that fire departments and other eligible organizations can prepare application materials and receive this urgent funding. Their letter also requested that the guidance ensures that departments are able to easily seek reimbursement from the AFG grant program for their PPE expenditures.