CFSI Washington Watch: National Fire Academy Closed; Government Shutdown Averted; Agency Staffing Changes; and More.

🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Here are some quick hits to start off the week:

📌 National Fire Academy Closed: The U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy (NFA) was closed about a week ago pending a review by the Administration. In addition to the closure in Emmitsburg, classes in the states using NFA instructors were also affected. While the review is said to be temporary, no timeline has been provided for reopening the campus. CFSI and members of the CFSI National Advisory Committee sent a letter to Congressional committees last week requesting that the review be handled transparently and quickly so the campus can reopen.

📌 Government Shutdown Averted: Just before a March 14 deadline, the Senate approved a funding bill to keep the government open through the end of fiscal year (FY) 2025. The House had previously passed the measure. The bill generally funds the government at FY2024 levels, but includes some increases to defense spending and about $13 billion in cuts to non-defense programs.

📌 Agency Staffing Changes Pending: A deadline from the Office of Personnel Management and Office of Management and Budget, which issued a memo instructing federal agencies to provide reorganization plans, passed last week with little fanfare. It remains unclear what actions will be taken by federal agencies to address the memo.

Despite the uncertainties of federal funding, one thing remains unchanged: the fire service must stay engaged to protect the federal programs and policies that keep our firefighters and communities safe.

Here’s how you can take action today:

✅ Take Action Today to Reopen the National Fire Academy

Visit CFSI’s NFA Action Center to ask Congress and the Administration to reopen NFA.

✅ Take CFSI’s Survey on the Value of the National Fire Academy

Click here to tell CFSI about the value the National Fire Academy has provided to you, your organization, and your state and district!

✅ Complete CFSI’s AFG & SAFER Impact Poll

We need your feedback and data demonstrating the impact of federal grant programs. If your department has received AFG or SAFER funding, take a few moments to fill out our poll and share how these grants have made a difference. Your input helps us advocate for continued funding and improvements to these critical programs.

✅ Build and Maintain Relationships with Your Legislators

Effective advocacy starts with strong relationships. Visit our CFSI Legislative Action Center for guidance on connecting with your representatives. Whether it’s a phone call, an email, or an in-person meeting, your voice matters. Lawmakers need to hear firsthand how federal support strengthens fire departments and emergency response.

✅ Stay Informed & Engaged

Policy decisions move fast. Follow CFSI on social media and sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on legislative developments affecting the fire service.

• Instagram: cfsiupdate
• Facebook: Congressional Fire Services Institute
• LinkedIn: Congressional Fire Services Institute

Stay engaged. Stay informed. And together, let’s keep making a difference.

🚒 Visit www.cfsi.org today to take action!