For Immediate Release

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Great Barrington Fire Department Receives Grant for New Equipment

GREAT BARRINGTON — Chief Charles Burger is pleased to announce that the Great Barrington Fire Department has received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to purchase new self contained breathing apparatuses (SBCA) for the entire department.

The $160,477 grant will supply 28 new SCBA’s (commonly known as air packs) to outfit all of the department’s apparatus. This new equipment is more reliable and simpler to maintain than previous models, and includes the most up to date safety technology. The air packs are designed and tested to higher standards and better withstand the energy released from synthetic materials burning in modern-day fires.

The new SCBA cylinders hold 50 percent more air than the current air packs, which allow firefighters longer working times at a scene. In addition, the SCBA face pieces clearly transmit sound, greatly improving fire ground communications during an emergency. The air packs are also designed with improved visibility technology to prevent the masks from fogging, which allow firefighters to conduct safer and more efficient operations.

“Air packs are one of the most critical pieces of equipment needed to enable our firefighters to safely operate in hazardous conditions,” Chief Burger said. “I am thankful to FEMA for granting us the funds to update our equipment to continue keeping our community safe.”

Great Barrington Fire uses air packs at approximately 20 fires, carbon monoxide and hazmat calls each year. The department is currently in the process of procuring the new equipment and expects to begin using the new air packs this fall.

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