The Brookville Fire Department is using the new self-contained breathing apparatus equipment the department purchased through the help of a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant. The department will hold an open house on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 1-4 p.m. at Station 76.
Terry Baver | The Register-Herald
BROOKVILLE — The Brookville fire department recently began employing the new self-contained breathing apparatus the department purchased.
According to fire chief Ron Fletcher, the department purchased 28 SCBA units in addition to three rapid-intervention breathing apparatus.
Fletcher said the purchase of the SCBA equipment and the rapid-intervention breathing apparatus was made possible by an $180,761.90 Assistant Firefighters grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Fletcher indicated the SCBA units “represent an investment of slightly more than $6,000 each when the face piece is added.”
“The unit contains 4,500 pounds per square inch (PSI) of breathable air,” Fletcher said.
“These units are absolutely vital to what we do,” Fletcher continued.
Fletcher said the new equipment replaces similar equipment the department had been using for nearly 15 years.
Fletcher indicated the SCBA equipment normally lasts 15 years.
“We received 15 years of service out of our previous units and there’s no reason not to believe this grant purchase will allow us to have our breathing apparatus needs taken care of for the next 15 years.” Fletcher said.
Fletcher noted the rapid-intervention breathing apparatus inside the orange bag is a relatively recent safety device used by fire departments to bring air to a trapped or injured firefighter whose SCBA may be nearly depleted.
“Everything that is in that orange bag gives us the ability to bring air to a firefighter and transition them from the air they have on their back over to emergency air,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher indicated the bag is durable enough to withstand all kinds of conditions.
Fletcher also noted the breathing apparatus is universal so it will work on any breathing apparatus a firefighter is using.
The fire department will have the opportunity to show people the new SCBA equipment during the department’s open house on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 1-4 p.m. at Station 76, located at 775 E. Upper Lewisburg Salem Road.
The open house is free and will also give people the opportunity to get a close look at the additional fire equipment that will be on display.
There will also be a variety of fun and learning activities and demonstrations for kids.
In addition to the fire equipment, a variety of Corvettes will be on display, courtesy of the Brookville Corvette Club.
The Cali-OH Eats mobile food truck will also be at the event.
The open house is being held in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week slated for Sunday, Oct.8, through Saturday, Oct. 14, in the United States and Canada.
Reach Terry Baver at [email protected].
