Columbia Fire Department outfits crew with high-tech breathing packs
The Columbia Fire Department is outfitting its firefighters with new state-of-the-art equipment. Columbia firefighters will get new self-contained breathing apparatuses or SCBA.
One of the most dangerous parts of fighting fires is the thick deadly smoke. Firefighters’ SCBA make it possible to walk right through it. The SCBAs the Columbia Fire Department were using are 10 years old and officials said it was time to buy new ones.
“We were able to purchase 80 new SCBA packs along with the necessary equipment to resupply the air to those packs both in the station and on the scene,” said Chief Randy White.
The new breathing packs were bought with a $434,627 grant from FEMA and Department of Homeland Security. The City of Columbia matched 10 percent of the funds. The new apparatuses have an increased tank capacity and have masks with greater communication capability. They also have a new feature called “Pack Tracker.”
“Based on 0 to 99 numerical scale, it will allow them to direct their efforts towards that downed air pack or that downed firefighter,” said Capt. Jeffrey Strawn.
Fire officials said the new equipment exceeds National Fire Protection Association safety standards and will make fighting fires safer for crews.
“”Being confident in your equipment is extremely important. The more confident they are the more capable they are in doing their jobs. So, there’s no doubt this is a huge upgrade for this department,” said Strawn.
Fire officials said the new unit will add about 4 pounds to firefighters’ backs, but the higher tech packs are worth the extra weight. The new SCBAs were rolled out this past Wednesday.
