USFA Opens Call Center In Support of Firefighters Helping Firefighters

The United States Fire Administration, at the request of a number of fire service organizations and disaster relief efforts, announces the opening of a national call center to assist fire organizations seeking to help fire departments, firefighters and their families affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The call center has been created to accept calls from departments with equipment to be donated to departments that have lost theirs. The call center is also be taking calls from fire departments needing equipment in the disaster areas, as well as firefighters seeking assistance with their family needs.

"Like the events of September 11, 2001, I am once again reminded of the American Spirit within the fire service," said Charlie Dickinson, Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator. "Never before, have so many organizations come together to ask the USFA to assist with the coordination of this massive humanitarian effort."

The USFA call center number is 1-800-250-9036, and the email address is fireaid@dhs.gov. The center is open from 7am to 7pm (EDT), seven days a week until further notice.

All donations will be managed by a Steering Committee representing the numerous relief efforts currently underway throughout this nation. Requests for assistance will also be reviewed by this steering committee for matching of the offer and the need.

"Nothing like this has been done before by the USFA," said Dickinson. "To be asked by these organizations to assist with the coordination, and to have FEMA Donations encourage us to assist these groups is indeed a great honor."