Washington firefighter to get new air bottles

WASHINGTON - The Washington City Council approved the purchase of up to 16 new air bottles for the fire department.

Washington Fire Chief Brendan DeLong said the current air bottles for the self-contained breathing apparatus are expiring and need to be replaced.

'They are essential, we don't go into a fire unless we have them,” DeLong said.

Originally, the department planned to apply for a FEMA grant to cover upgrading the bottles as well as the breathing apparatus. Washington's air packs are only rated for 30 minutes, while other areas have ones for 45 minutes.

DeLong said there were complications in applying for the grant, and they were unable to submit it in time. There was no guarantee they would be awarded the grant if they did.

Because some of the air packs are expiring at the end of March, the department plans to replace only the air bottles and apply for a grant to replace all of the equipment in the future.

DeLong said the fire department in Robins, Iowa is giving away 10 bottles for free that expire in 2029. He said he is visiting to look at the bottles and if they work with the department's packs, he will take them. The remaining bottles will be purchased from Dalmatian Fire Equipment for $495 each.

The council unanimously approved the purchase.