Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Department awarded $71k grant

The Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District has been awarded a grant worth $71,316 from the Department of Homeland Security.

The grant funds will be used to purchase and install vehicle exhaust source-capture systems for the fire stations in Carpinteria and Summerland. The systems will completely eliminate any contaminants emitted by starting, running and backing in fire trucks and equipment at the fire stations.

The project is part of the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District (CSFD) firefighter health and safety program.

“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,” said Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA).

Carbajal’s press office said in a press release that even short-term diesel exhaust exposure can drastically increase the risks of cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary and respiratory disease and lunch cancer. Removing the exhaust from the station bays will eliminate exposure of the dangerous contaminants to firefighters and their equipment.

The whole project is expected to cost about $74,000. The grant should cover 95 percent of the costs, Carbajal said.