Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Department Awarded Safety Grant

Source: Office of Rep. Salud Carbajal

Department of Homeland Security announced [Wednesday] that Carpinteria-Summerland FPD (CSFD) has been awarded a federal Assistance to Firefighters grant worth $71,316. The grant will fund the purchase and installation of vehicle exhaust source-capture systems for the fire stations in Carpinteria and Summerland.

These systems will eliminate 100% of the contaminants emitted by starting, running and backing the fire apparatus in the fire station engine bays, and will be a critical addition to CSFD’s Firefighter Health and Safety program.

“I am thrilled that our Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Department has been awarded this grant funding that will help keep our firefighters safe while they protect our community,” said Rep. Salud Carbajal. “This federal funding will have a lasting positive impact on our district, and I will continue doing all I can in Congress to support our brave firefighters and ensure they have the resources they need. Congratulations, CSFD!”

It has been well established that even short term diesel exhaust exposure drastically increases the risks of cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary and respiratory disease and lung cancer.  According to the International Association of Firefighters, over 50% of the firefighters named on the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Wall of Honor died from cancer.  CSFD’s goal is to drastically reduce risks contributing to this unacceptable cancer rate and other work associated illnesses for the benefit of our firefighters and the community we serve.

By immediately removing all exhaust from the fire station engine bays this grant funded equipment will prevent vehicle exhaust in the fire station from contaminating the firefighters, their protective clothing, their tools and equipment, and the stations themselves, as well as the public that often visits the stations. This, in turn, will eliminate cross-contamination when firefighters make contact with community members during calls and other interactions.

The total program cost is estimated at $74,000, with the grant covering 95% of the expenditures.  Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District remains committed to pursuing alternative sources of funding in order to provide the highest level of service to the community at the lowest possible cost.