FEMA Delivers $9 Million to Help Fire and First Responder Organizations in Oregon, Idaho and Washington

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded more than $9 million in grant funding this week to fire departments and first responder organizations across Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

The funding is designed to help local organizations obtain the staff, equipment and operational support needed for emergency response and firefighter safety. The latest awards bring the total fire grant funding provided to Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington this year to more than $23 million. Across the United States, FEMA has distributed $648 million through its three fire grant programs this year.

FEMA is administering the funds through its Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program, which provides financial support to hire firefighters as well as assist with recruitment and retention. FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton emphasized the role of first responders in community resilience. “Firefighters and other first responders are everyday heroes, helping their neighbors and communities when they need it most,” Hamilton said. “Through this grant funding, FEMA is building the capability of these local organizations to respond to disasters and emergencies. By empowering fire departments to get the staff, training and equipment they need, FEMA is strengthening the resilience of American communities nationwide.”

In Washington, three fire agencies received grant allocations this week. South Kitsap Fire and Rescue in Port Orchard and Spokane County Fire District nine in Mead each received more than $1.7 million. Additionally, North Whidbey Fire and Rescue in Oak Harbor received $1 million.

In Idaho, the Boise Fire Department in Boise was awarded more than $2.3 million. In Oregon, two agencies received funding, with the Scio Rural Fire District in Scio and the Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District in Umatilla each securing more than $1.1 million.