Fire District 1 requests $20,614 for 13 sets of wildland bunker gear

Mark Wainland, rural fire coordinator, told commissioners that panelist stations requested 13 new sets of wildland bunker gear, including helmets and boots. He said eight sets are for new members and four sets would replace gear that no longer fits some staff members, and that this gear reduces the risk of heat-related injuries on grass and field fires.

Wainland said the total cost for the county's share of the wildland gear is $20,614 and that the equipment budget has sufficient funds to cover the purchase. He emphasized that the city will cost-share on structural gear but that the wildland gear purchase is a Fire District expense: "Total cost of this gear is, dollars 20,614," he said. Commissioners expressed support and the item was placed on the afternoon action agenda for formal approval.