FEMA awards fire grant

The Williams Fire Protection Authority has been awarded a $185,144 regional grant, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The funds come from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which is administered by FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration.

The WFPA applied for the regional grant on behalf of six fire departments in Colusa County in March, said Williams Fire Chief Jeff Gilbert.

The Arbuckle College City Fire District, Colusa City Fire Department, Maxwell Fire Protection District, Princeton Fire Protection District, Sacramento River Fire Protection District and the Williams Fire Protection Authority will each benefit from the grant, which will allow the departments to purchase new communication equipment that  meet the Federal Communication Commission’s narrowing banding requirements.

Gilbert said the departments will purchase 31 mobile radios, 114 pagers, and 78 handheld radios.

“Communication is one of the highest priorities in the fire service,” Gilbert said. “Having pagers that properly alert firefighters of emergency calls and being able to communicate on the fire grounds is a major factor to having fast response times and smooth operations.”

The grant will require each department to provide a 10 percent match for the equipment. 

“The Fire Act Grant has made a big impact in Colusa County over the last several years,” Gilbert said. “Several departments have received grants for equipment, ranging from fire engines to safety equipment.”

The AFG is designed to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards, according to a FEMA news release.

The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.

In December, Colusa City Fire Department was awarded a $252,000 grant to purchase a new Type 3 fire engine - a vehicle specially equipped to battle vegetation, grass and wildland fires.