A grant program for municipal fire departments is doubling.

The province says $20 million will be made available for equipment purchases or hall improvements.

Solicitor General Michael Kerzner says it will give firefighters the tools they need to stay safe and effectively respond to life-threatening emergencies.

“We want every fire department to have the opportunity to access this funding, whether you are launching a new initiative or building on an existing one,” says Kerzner.

“This funding will flow quickly. And as we saw last year, its impact will be immediate and long-lasting.”

More than 370 fire services took advantage of the $10 million made available last year.

“The grant delivered tangible life-saving equipment from specialized cleaning machines for bunker gear to dryers that get it back in service faster to whatever protective gear each hall needed the most,” says Kerzner.

President of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Rob Grimwood says the purchases make a tangible difference for fire services and their firefighters.

“It’ll allow fire departments to invest in critical decontamination tools and clean gear technology,” says Grimwood.

“It will enhance training and education to help firefighters identify and reduce exposure risks. It will support new research to help us better understand how to fight back against this invisible enemy.”

He adds it will also allow fire departments to acquire new equipment and training to safely deal with incidents involving lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.

Municipal fire departments have until September 30 to apply.