AFG application period extended due to Hurricane Irene

WASHINGTON — The Assistance to Firefighters Grant application period has been extended by FEMA an extra week due to Hurricane Irene response and recovery.

The new 5 p.m. EST, September 16 deadline is designed to allow responders to address the immediate needs of their communities while providing enough time to apply for grant assistance under AFG.

"Hurricane Irene has affected a wide expanse of communities on the East Coast of the United States," FEMA said in a statement Tuesday.

"FEMA understands that the most important focus should be on life and property."

FEMA's system did not suffer any disruptions and applications already in the process of completion should be unaffected.

Applications can be started at the official AFG website .