CONTACT:
Tony Benson
Tony.Benson@state.mn.us
651-202-1338

Sept. 16, 2026

DPS announces more than $12 million in funding to strengthen Minnesota’s fire service

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced $12.56 million in one-time allocations designed to strengthen fire service capabilities across Minnesota and support the firefighters who protect local communities. The funding, based on recommendations from the Fire Service Advisory Committee (FSAC), will increase statewide fire prevention efforts, upgrade specialized response capabilities and support firefighter training opportunities.

“These investments reflect Minnesota’s continued commitment to supporting firefighters across the state who protect our communities every day,” said Commissioner Bob Jacobson. “From modernizing equipment to expanding firefighter health and safety programs, these investments will help advance readiness, resilience and statewide fire prevention efforts.”

The funds come from the Fire Safety Account, created by the Minnesota Legislature in 2006. The account, which is funded by surcharges on insurance premiums, is dedicated to advancing initiatives that deliver clear statewide benefit to the Minnesota fire service and to help safeguard Minnesotans from the dangers of fire. Under DPS’ administrative oversight, every dollar is responsibly managed to maximize the benefit for fire service partners and the communities they protect.

The initiatives approved for one-time funding from the Fire Safety Account include approximately:

• $2 million to the State Fire Marshal division for a statewide fire prevention and safety grant program.
• $3 million to replace equipment from state hazardous materials response teams. 
• $5 million in additional funding to the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education to reimburse local fire departments for firefighter training and education.
• $1 million to the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) for a statewide firefighter ultrasound screening study.

“As we make this investment in support of the Minnesota fire service, the State Fire Marshal division is also conducting a comprehensive statewide assessment to better understand the needs of fire departments across the state,” says Assistant Commissioner T. John Cunningham. “Together, this assessment and these one‑time funds reflect Minnesota’s commitment to identifying and addressing the most critical needs within Minnesota’s fire service.”

FSAC provides recommendations to the commissioner of public safety on fire service-related issues. These allocation recommendations from the committee are made after a published application process and scored presentation from applicants. FSAC is composed of appointed representatives from across Minnesota’s fire service, along with representatives from the League of Minnesota Cities, Minnesota Association of Townships and Insurance Federation of Minnesota.

Minnesota’s fire service is facing increasing pressures, including higher call volume, aging equipment and growing health risks to firefighters. These one-time allocations target those challenges directly, delivering the critical support for prevention, specialized response, wellness and training. These resources will help ensure fire service organizations have the essential tools and resources needed to protect Minnesotans safely and effectively.

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About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s more than 2,400 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.