LYNNFIELD — The Fire Department has taken another step in its mission to keep residents safe with the addition of some new equipment that will help firefighters do their jobs in extreme conditions.
The department announced Wednesday that it has received a much-awaited shipment of 36 MSA G1 SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) and RIT (rapid intervention teams) packs from Firematic Supply.
“SCBA are essential to fire operations,” said Fire Chief Glenn Davis. “SCBA are used by firefighters whenever the environment or atmosphere has any potential to cause harm. The most common examples are smoke from a fire and hazardous material incidents with potentially dangerous vapors.”
Davis said training began on June 15. He hopes to put the equipment in service on each apparatus soon, and noted that all SCBA units have built-in thermal imaging cameras on each pack to enhance overall safety.
“The new units have all of the state-of-the-art features to make our firefighters as safe as possible, which in turn makes all of the citizens of Lynnfield safer,” Davis said. “This equipment allows firefighters to enter immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments, and SCBA are required to conduct rescue, firefighting, and hazardous materials mitigation operations. Firefighter health and safety are paramount, as is the ability to effectively serve the community.”
Davis said several surrounding communities have purchased SCBA units, including Middleton. Federal and state Occupational Safety and Health Agencies (OSHA) strictly regulate SCBA use and the Fire Department must comply with these regulations.
The cost to purchase the units was approximately $340,000. Davis said the purchase was authorized as a part of the department’s 2020 capital budget, which was supported by the Select Board, Town Administrator Rob Dolan, the Finance Committee and “ultimately the residents of Lynnfield by approving the budget at Town Meeting.
“The Lynnfield Fire Department would like to thank the Town of Lynnfield for the ongoing support of our department through capital funding,” said Davis.
