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Utah fire departments receives FEMA grant for safety gear

The FEMA grants allow the fire departments to outfit their crews with safer equipment without dipping into their already-tight budgets or burdening taxpayers with covering the price

KUTV

ROY, Utah — About a dozen Utah fire departments awarded federal grants for new safety equipment are now working to purchase the gear.

Roy Fire Department applied for the 2012 FEMA Assistance for Fire Fighters Grant about one year ago. They were recently advised they would be receiving the $64,300 to buy new turnout coats, pants and boots.

Their decade-old ensembles are nearing retirement. New synthetic building materials are making structure fires hotter, and technologically advanced suits are safer.

“We do have gear that’s up past the 10-year mark, so that gear will be taken out of service,” said Roy Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Comeau. “Since we have changes in gear, and it’s gotten better through the years of technology, the fabrics that are used now are a lot better.”

Full story: Utah Fire Departments Get FEMA Grants For Safety Gear