WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson said Tuesday that FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program is accepting applications.

The Fire Prevention and Safety Program will make $46 million available to fire departments and nonprofit organizations to strengthen community fire prevention programs. The application period runs through Feb. 18.

“The Fire Prevention and Safety Grant is an excellent resource for fire departments and nonprofits to improve fire safety education,” Thompson said in a press release. “As a volunteer firefighter, I know there is an overwhelming need for additional resources to help first responders better protect our communities. I stand ready to assist and provide support for any company in the Congressional District looking to pursue these opportunities.”

The FP&S program is one of three grant programs that constitute the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) focus on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and related hazards.

Since 2002, FP&S has awarded approximately $770 million in grant funding to provide critically needed resources to strengthen community fire prevention programs and enable scientific research on innovations that improve firefighter safety and health.