PITTSBURGH (Nov. 4, 2025) – Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety, Inc. (NYSE: MSA), today announced that the latest edition of its revolutionary self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), the MSA^® G1^™ XR 2025 Edition SCBA, has received U.S. government approval from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and certification from the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) as compliant to the 2025 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 1970 performance standard.

Fire departments can order the MSA G1 XR 2025 Edition immediately, and production is scheduled to ramp up over the next several months at the company’s manufacturing facility in Murrysville, located just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Unveiled earlier this year at FDIC in Indianapolis, Indiana, the G1 XR Edition is the latest evolution of the G1 SCBA platform and features enhancements to various soft goods and Bluetooth^® indicators. This latest edition of the G1 builds on 10 years of continuous innovation driven by firefighter feedback and aligns with meeting the new NFPA performance standard requirements.

The 2025 Edition of the NFPA 1970 performance standard consolidates several prior standard editions, including 1981 and 1982, and mandates three primary upgrades to the SCBA. These upgrades, which are now available in the G1 XR 2025 Edition, include:

• A change in the end-of-service time indicator: An alarm bell on the SCBA will ring when the air supply in a cylinder is at 31 percent remaining for a 4500 pressure-per-square-inch “PSI” system. Prior standard editions called for this alarm to ring when the air supply in a cylinder was at 35 percent remaining.
• A change in soft goods: All soft goods, including the straps and emergency breathing pouches, on an SCBA are now removeable by a firefighter for easy cleaning.
• New requirements to Bluetooth connection indicators: Located on either the SCBA’s control module or on the heads-up display inside the firefighter’s facepiece, this indicator confirms radio connection to the SCBA. The location of the indicator is dependent on the type of radio the firefighter is using for communication.

“As the needs of the fire service continue to evolve, our team remains at the ready to continue to innovate and earn the trust of firefighters around the world,” said Steve Blanco, MSA Safety President and Chief Executive Officer. “The latest enhancements to the G1 SCBA are a reflection of our mission at work – developing solutions that will advance worker health and safety.”    

To address the needs of firefighters, the G1 SCBA platform features 15 U.S. patents covering a broad range of innovative solutions to enhance safety, comfort, situational awareness and operational efficiency. These features include standard voice amplification and radio interface capability, an advanced electronics platform powered by a single rechargeable battery, and an integrated telemetry solution. 

About MSA Safety

MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE: MSA) is the global leader in advanced safety products, technologies and solutions. Driven by its singular mission of safety, the company has been at the forefront of safety innovation since 1914, protecting workers and facility infrastructure around the world across a broad range of diverse end markets while creating sustainable value for shareholders. With 2024 revenues of $1.8 billion, MSA Safety is headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania and employs a team of more than 5,000 associates across its more than 40 international locations. For more information, please visit www.MSASafety.com.

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The Newstead Fire Company in Akron, New York, on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, joined the class-action lawsuit against fire apparatus manufacturers, alleging they took part in a nationwide price-fixing scheme, Reuters.com reported.

Two other proposed class actions are already pending. The first was filed in August by the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Augusta, Maine, also has sued three fire apparatus manufacturers.

A judge Friday paused the litigation for 60 days to allow coordination among the various plaintiffs, the report said. Additional lawsuits are expected, according to court filings, the report said.

The three manufacturers in separate statements called the allegations in the lawsuits meritless, according to the report.

The Fire Apparatus Manufacturer’s Association, which is also a defendant, did not immediately respond to a request for comment, according to the report.

The lawsuits allege that since at least 2016, the companies violated antitrust law by coordinating with the manufacturers’ association to exchange sensitive economic data, limit production, and raise prices.

The three lawsuits want triple damages and a court order to halt the alleged antitrust violations.

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The Cross Timbers (MO) Rural Fire Department said recently that someone broke into one of its field trucks while it was awaiting repairs at a mechanic and stole two blowers and a chainsaw, ky3.com reported.

Here is the fire department’s Facebook post about the incident:

The Cross Timbers Rural Fire Department is saddened to report the theft of critical firefighting equipment from the 900 block in Warsaw. Two Stihl backpack blowers and one Stihl chainsaw were stolen after a individual broke a window and removed the items from inside a vehicle cab.

This loss is more than just stolen property—it directly impacts our ability to protect our neighbors and respond effectively to emergencies. The stolen equipment is used to fight wildland fires and perform essential safety operations within our community.

“It’s truly disheartening that someone would take tools that are meant to serve and protect our community,” Chief Barry D White Jr. said in the post. “These items are vital to keeping our area safe, and their loss affects everyone.”

Anyone with information regarding this theft is urged to contact the Warsaw Police Department (660) 438-9555 immediately. Even the smallest tip could help recover the stolen equipment and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The Cross Timbers Rural Fire Department would like to thank the community for its continued support and asks residents to remain vigilant.

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Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company in Newark, New Jersey, placed a mustache on Ladder 9’s grill recently.

“If you’ve seen Ladder 9 rolling around with a mustache on the grill, here’s why,” the department said in a Facebook post. “Every November, our crews recognize Movember, showing support for men’s cancer awareness.”

Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters, and studies show they’re about twice as likely to develop certain types of cancer compared to the general population, the post said. The risks come from years of exposure to smoke, heat, and toxic chemicals on the job.

“The mustache on Ladder 9 isn’t just for looks, it’s a reminder for all men to stay aware, get checked, and take care of their health,” the department said in the post.

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The Town of Newton officially broke ground on a new 15,943 square foot Fire and EMS facility, marking a historic milestone in public safety infrastructure for the Manitowoc County community. The new facility will replace the town’s aging fire station: originally built in 1963 and last expanded in 1991, and is designed to meet modern firefighting, emergency medical, and community resilience needs for decades to come.

This project is the result of years of planning, needs assessments, and community dialogue. In April 2025, Newton residents affirmed their commitment to public safety by passing a referendum with 58% voter approval, a clear demonstration of local support and trust in the mission of the Newton Volunteer Fire Department and Newton First Responders.

A Rural Community with a Strong Civic Identity

Situated along the western shore of Lake Michigan, the Town of Newton spans approximately 35.5 square miles and is home to more than 2,200 residents. Known for its balance of agriculture, industry, and rural lifestyle, Newton features one of Manitowoc County’s highest rates of homeownership. The town’s residents take pride in their community, investing in long-term public assets that serve both current and future generations.

Project Background: Identifying the Need

A comprehensive facility evaluation in late 2023 / early 2024 revealed that the existing fire and EMS station faced several critical deficiencies, including:

• Lack of separation between gear and apparatus bays, posing contamination risks
• Inadequate space for modern equipment and vehicles
• Poorly ventilated spaces and no dedicated decontamination areas
• No compliant ADA restrooms or accessible entry
• Unsafe circulation routes for responding personnel
• Limited training, storage, and administrative capacity

In short, the existing building no longer met the expectations of a 21st-century emergency service department—or the growing needs of the community it protects.

A Facility Designed for the Future

The new Fire and EMS building will feature:

• Modern apparatus bays with adequate turning radius and vehicle separation
• Dedicated gear decontamination zones with compliant ventilation
• Training and meeting spaces to support volunteer recruitment and retention
• ADA-compliant restrooms and public access areas
• Energy-efficient systems and future-readiness for expansion

The Newton Volunteer Fire Department, established in 1947, and the Newton First Responders, founded in 1988, will both operate from this new facility. Together, they serve the Town of Newton and surrounding mutual aid districts with emergency coverage.

A Community Achievement
“This groundbreaking represents more than just construction, it’s a reflection of Newton’s values,” said Chairman Denise Thomas. “We’re building a facility that supports our volunteers and strengthens the safety for every person who calls this wonderful community home.”

The project team includes Architect and Construction Manager Keller, Inc., who has worked closely with town leaders, building committee, and emergency personnel throughout the planning process.

Project Timeline and Updates
Construction is now underway, with substantial completion targeted for Fall 2026. Community members can follow progress via updates posted on the Town of Newton website.

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