Photo: Commonwealth of Massachusetts
BARNSTABLE – Fire departments across Cape Cod are among 229 Massachusetts departments awarded a combined $1.9 million in state funding to support fire prevention and safety education programs for children and older adults.
The funding, announced by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, supports two programs administered by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services: Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) and Senior SAFE.
The SAFE program brings trained firefighter-educators into schools to teach children about fire prevention, emergency preparedness and how to respond to dangerous situations. Senior SAFE provides similar education for older adults through senior centers, councils on aging and home visits.
The grants also support smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installations, home safety assessments and fall prevention education.
According to state officials, the programs are designed to reduce fire-related injuries and deaths among two particularly vulnerable populations.
State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said preventing fires through education remains one of the most effective ways to protect residents.
The SAFE program was established in the mid-1990s following a period of elevated childhood fire fatalities in Massachusetts. The Senior SAFE program was introduced in 2014 to address fire safety risks among older adults, who account for approximately half of the state’s annual fire deaths.
Cape Cod Grant Recipients
The following Cape Cod fire departments and districts received funding:
| Town or fire district | Total grant |
| Barnstable Fire District | $16,600.00 |
| Bourne | $9,620.99 |
| Brewster | $7,273.53 |
| Chatham | $9,822.42 |
| COMM Fire District (Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills) | $7,517.93 |
| Cotuit Fire District | $1,987.87 |
| Eastham | $9,236.54 |
| Falmouth | $13,162.56 |
| Harwich | $9,304.08 |
| Hyannis Fire District | $9,103.72 |
| Mashpee | $9,181.60 |
| Sandwich | $2,998.47 |
| Yarmouth | $7,860.14 |
| Total | $113,669.85 |
The Barnstable Fire District award also includes the West Barnstable Fire District as part of a regional grant.
Most participating departments received funding through both programs. Cotuit and Sandwich received funding exclusively through Senior SAFE.
Statewide, approximately $1.29 million was awarded for the school-based SAFE program, while another $610,000 was allocated to Senior SAFE.
State officials say the funding will allow local firefighters to continue providing educational programs aimed at preventing emergencies before they occur.
The grants are also intended to strengthen relationships between fire departments and the communities they serve, particularly among schoolchildren and older residents.
Source: Massachusetts Department of Fire Services grant announcement and recipient list
Copyright Pitta Media Group 2026. Any unauthorized use not permitted. All rights reserved.
