Colorado Senator Mark Udall is urging fire departments across the state to apply for grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as high fire danger lingers.

FEMA's 'Assistance to Firefighters' grant program gives fire departments from across the nation the chance to compete for a portion of $337.5 million. The money is intended to allow fire crews to more effectively protect communities from the threat of fire by funding much-needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources.

"Firefighters and first responders are on the front lines every day to keep us safe - it's critical that we ensure our public-safety officers have the resources to do their life-saving work properly," Udall said. "The AFG grants allow Colorado fire departments to compete for funds that can help fill the gaps in their strained budgets."

"I encourage fire departments throughout Colorado to apply for this competitive grant so they have adequate resources to more effectively respond to emergencies in their communities."

Sen. Udall says past Colorado awardees include the Poudre Fire Authority in Fort Collins, City of Pueblo Fire Department, Gypsum Fire Protection District, and Durango Fire and Rescue Authority.

Fire departments looking to apply for funding should visit www.fema.gov/firegrants/afggrants/index.shtm. The application deadline is 3:00 pm on July 6.

To request a letter of support on behalf of an application, fire departments should contact Sen. Udall's regional office nearest to them.