Firefighter Injury and Illness Reduction (FIIRE) Grant Program

The Firefighter Injury and Illness Reduction (FIIRE) Grant Program is administered by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries as part of a broader safety initiative designed to reduce occupational injuries and illnesses among professional firefighters. The program operates under statutory authority and was developed in partnership with statewide fire service organizations, including the Washington Fire Chiefs and the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters. Its primary objective is to promote proactive risk management and the implementation of evidence-based safety practices that address the unique hazards faced by firefighters, particularly carcinogen exposure and musculoskeletal injuries. The grant program provides financial support to fire departments that are active participants in the FIIRE Program. Participation in the overarching program requires departments to develop and implement a Safety Improvement Plan (SIP), which is informed by self-assessments, risk management training, and recognized safety and health best practices. The SIP serves as a foundational document guiding the use of grant funds, ensuring that all funded activities are aligned with documented safety priorities and measurable risk reduction strategies. Departments are expected to use the grant to support initiatives that directly contribute to the goals outlined in their SIP. Funding through the FIIRE Grant Program is intended for the purchase of equipment and gear, as well as participation in training or assessments that improve safety culture and operational practices. Eligible expenditures include items that mitigate carcinogen exposure, such as vehicle exhaust capture systems and personal protective equipment cleaning units, as well as equipment designed to reduce physical strain, including lifting assist devices and hose handling tools. Additionally, the program supports training and assessments focused on behavioral health, leadership, resiliency, and other aspects of firefighter wellness and safety culture. However, the program explicitly excludes funding for salaries, general office supplies, fitness trackers, medical physicals, and costs associated with prior or ongoing interventions. The grant imposes a funding cap of twenty-five thousand dollars per fire department. Matching requirements vary based on the size of the department, as determined by full-time equivalent staffing levels derived from reported workers’ compensation hours. Departments with fewer than 150 full-time equivalent employees are not required to provide matching funds, while larger departments must contribute on a two-to-one basis, with the state providing two dollars for every one dollar contributed by the department. This tiered approach is intended to ensure equitable access to funding while encouraging investment from larger organizations. Eligibility for the grant is limited to current participants in the FIIRE Program, which itself requires that fire departments maintain workers’ compensation insurance through the Washington State Fund under a specific risk classification and remain in good standing. The application process requires departments to submit documentation supporting their requested purchases or activities, including quotes and justification tied to their Safety Improvement Plan. Following award notification, successful applicants must execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Labor and Industries before funds can be disbursed. The application deadline for the 2026 funding cycle is June 30, 2026. Award notifications are expected to begin no later than August 1, 2026, with funds disbursed after that date upon verification of completed purchases or training activities. The program operates on an annual cycle aligned with the calendar year, with enrollment in the broader FIIRE Program occurring in the fall. Applications are evaluated based on factors such as safety impact, organizational size, prior award history, and the quality and feasibility of proposed training or equipment investments. Departments are also required to provide post-training reports for funded training activities, ensuring accountability and documentation of outcomes. For additional information or application support, applicants may contact the program administrators via the official program email. The program emphasizes measurable improvements in firefighter health and safety outcomes, prioritizing investments that demonstrate clear alignment with identified risks and the department’s strategic safety objectives.

Ensure all requests are clearly justified within the Safety Improvement Plan and demonstrate measurable safety impact; prioritize high risk exposure reduction and feasibility