Owatonna And Claremont Fire Departments Receive Grants

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division recently awarded around $600,00 in grants to fire departments around the state. The grants went to 73 departments around the state to help remove carcinogens left behind in firefighter's turnout gear after fighting a fire.

Research shows that firefighters are exposed to carcinogens during the fire and then again through soiled turnout gear. Exposure to these carcinogens has been associated with lung damage, chronic bronchitis, and cancer.

Thirty departments received funding for gear washers with the Owatonna Fire Department among the recipients. 27 departments received funding for gear dryers and 16 departments including the Claremont Fire Department received funds to purchase both washers and dryers.