In April 2015, St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue received a FEMA grant from AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grants) to install a vehicle exhaust removal system. The primary goal of the AFG is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire-related hazards by providing direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments. This grant assisted in paying for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel in order to enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.

Now that the vehicle exhaust systems have been installed and the fire personnel have been trained, these systems went into use on Friday, March 18, 2016. The system that is being used is the MagneGrip Vehicle Exhaust Removal System, which will remove harmful emissions produced when fire apparatus engines are engaged inside the engine bay area. It will provide added protection in the stations when vehicles move in and out of the engine bays. This is accomplished by the direct capture and removal of harmful vehicle exhaust fumes that otherwise would be released into the open air while the engines are operating. This system will help ensure the highest quality of indoor air possible.

MagneGrip system meets NFPA 1500 for "no less than 100 percent effective capture of exhaust emissions." MagneGrip effectively protects the health of the firehouse personnel and it is fully automatic. When a fire apparatus starts up inside the engine bay, a wireless sensor automatically switches the MagneGrip exhaust fan on. Then all of the toxic exhaust soot and gases are extracted through sealed ductwork and safely dispersed outside the building, making a cleaner and safer working environment.

Photo by: Lt. Steven Lawrence, Deputy Fire Marshal

Jefferson Parish Fire Department, Metairie, LA, rescue-pumper. Igniter cab and chassis; Cummins ISL9 450-hp engine; Waterous CSU 1,750-gpm pump.