WASHINGTON — Three Utah fire departments will get more than $235,000 from the U.S. Fire Administration for new safety equipment and communication systems, according to Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah.

The Ogden city, North Fork and Sandy fire departments will receive a total of $235,428 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants through the USFA.

"The fires in Southern California and the destructive wildfires throughout Utah this year is further proof that our fire departments must be equipped with the necessary gear to quickly respond to a crisis," said Bennett, who sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which approves the funding for the fire grants each year.

"We never know when emergencies will happen, and we thank our firefighters for keeping a diligent watch over our communities."

The Ogden City Fire Department will get $128,928 to purchase 85 personal protective equipment sets for its 108 firefighters. These contain fire coats, boots, pants, hats and gloves used when fighting a fire.

The North Fork Fire Department, which is responsible for Provo Canyon wildlands and structure fires as well as rescue operations, will use $26,628 to buy fire shelters to protect firefighters putting out wildfires.

The Sandy Fire Department will use $79,872 to purchase an exhaust system called No Smoke, which helps protect firefighters from inhaling toxic fumes. The money will also go toward head-set radios to provide better communication when responding to emergencies, as well as protect against hearing loss.

---

E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com