WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior recently announced nearly $1.3 million in awards through a pilot program to strengthen local governments’ wildfire response by converting vehicles to wildland fire apparatus. Authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Slip-on Tanker Pilot Program is helping small, remote emergency response agencies quickly expand their wildfire response capacity as they continue to face the devastating impacts of climate change, drought and intensifying wildfires.  

“As the nation contends with devastating wildfires, the Interior Department is furthering our commitment to support local interagency partners as we work collectively to better prepare for and address these dangers,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Many of our state and local partners are the first to respond when wildfires ignite near their communities. This pilot program, supported by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, is bolstering their ability to respond quickly when a wildfire starts.” 

The funding announced today was awarded to 21 local emergency response agencies in 10 states. The recipients serve communities with a moderate to high wildfire risk, as determined by the Wildfire Risk to Communities tool. Local governments that provide emergency services to areas with a population of 25,000 or less are eligible to receive grants ranging from $10,000 to $200,000.  

The Slip-on Tanker Pilot Program is strengthening coordination between the Interior Department, states and local communities as we work together to address the growing threat of wildfires. Improved collaboration is a central focus of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission’s final report, which was released in September 2023. The Commission was charged with making recommendations to improve federal policies related to the mitigation, suppression and management of wildland fires in the United States.  

Increasing the resilience of lands facing the threat of wildfires is critical for communities across the country. The funding announced today is part of nearly $1.1 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding allocated by Interior since the law’s enactment to address wildfire risk on public and Tribal lands and to better support federal wildland firefighters.   

A second round of grant opportunities will be announced this fall. Additional details about the next application window will be posted in the Federal Register. 

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The Oneonta Fire Department is getting a new fire apparatus thanks to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant through FEMA, msn.com reported.

A fire official said the new pumper will be used to carry water to rural areas that have no fire hydrants.

The grant is for $550,000 and the city of Oneonta will match that with $600,000, the report said. Once ordered it should take around 30 months to receive the new apparatus, according to the report.

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CHESAPEAKE, Virginia (September 30, 2024) – Air Systems International introduces the new Easy-Stack™ 12” In-Line Axial Fan, model CVF-12ES, to the robust Air Systems’ confined space ventilation line. The Easy-Stack™ fan is Intertek C/US certified for electrical outdoor use in all weather.

Easy-Stack™ Axial Fans are made from rugged, lightweight polyethylene, providing fresh air for confined space ventilation at an economical price. Features include a 115 VAC, 1 HP, 60 Hz motor and a 25 foot power cord. The Easy-Stack™ axial fan free flows 2,266 cfm and 1,808 cfm with 15’ duct & one 90° bend.

The Easy-Stack™ in-line axial fan is designed as a stand-alone fan or can be attached in series to boost ventilation in long lengths of ventilation duct. Intake and exhaust flanges allow 12” duct to be attached to either end of the blower to achieve positive or negative ventilation.

Add 12” ducting and a 12” Saddle Vent^® to complete the ventilation system. The Saddle Vent^® was developed by Air Systems to make it easier and safer for workers to enter and exit a confined space. The Saddle Vent^® takes up only 3 inches in a manhole opening and allows fresh air to the workers in the confined space.

12” Easy-Stack™ In-Line Axial Fan, 12” ducting, and 12” Saddle Vent^® are all ready to ship.

For additional information on Air Systems’ CVF ventilation line or Saddle Vent^® product line, please visit our web site at: www.airsystems.com/index.php/ventilation.

About Air Systems International Incorporated

Air Systems International is a privately owned company founded in Chesapeake, Virginia in 1984. Air Systems International manufactures Grade-D breathing air filtration units, air cylinder carts, confined space ventilation equipment, portable area lighting, and environmental control products.