The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program open application period closes Friday, Janauary 15.

“But, there’s still time to apply for an AFG grant to cover the cost of ExpressWash® Washers and ExpressDry® Gear Dryers,” said Joel Jorgensen, Continental Girbau Inc. (Continental) vice president of sales and customer services.  

Continental ExpressWash Washers and ExpressDry Gear Dryers properly clean and dry soiled turnout gear, returning it to service sooner. “Clean protective gear not only lasts longer, it helps prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals and particulates found in soiled gear,” he said.

ExpressWash Washers properly clean protective gear according to gear manufacturer and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines. Operators simply select a program number, press start, and the washer automatically blends optimum water temperatures, water levels, chemicals, extraction speeds, and cycle times. ExpressWash Washers are freestanding and can be installed in truck bays, utility rooms, over heated floors, or anywhere there is extra space. They properly clean gear, and in doing so, help protect firefighters from the carcinogens and biohazards found in dirty gear.

ExpressDry Gear Dryers use a 110-volt fan to push non-heated air through hanging garments--returning gear to service in hours, rather than days. Quick and easy to use, the ExpressDry Gear Dryer adapts to specific types and sizes of gear without turning them inside out. The dryer can simultaneously accommodate up to six suits, along with helmets, gloves, boots, facemasks, and SCBAs.

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and first responders obtain equipment needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. Because dirty gear can be hazadous to firefighter health, fire departments across the nation purchase ExpressWash and ExpressDry equipment with AFG grants every year.

ExpressWash Washers and ExpressDry Gear Dryers are backed by an industry-leading ContinentalCare™ warranty and often qualify for AFG grant dollars. To find out more about Continental products, visit www.continentalgirbau.com or call 800-256-1073. Get the latest AFG news at http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.

Continental Girbau Inc. is the largest of 15 subsidiaries of the Girbau Group, based in Vic, Spain. Girbau laundry products – marketed throughout 90 countries worldwide – meet rigorous environmental and safety standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Girbau S.A. holds both ISO9001 and ISO14001 certifications. Ever focused on la

LEX18.com reports that a fire truck flipped onto its side in Frankfort, Kentucky, on January 6 while responding to a call.

Sheriff Pat Melton said they were responding to a call when a tire dropped off the side of the road. The driver over-corrected and because of the water in the tank the fire truck flipped over and landed on its side.

Two firefighters were taken to a local hospital with minor scrapes and bruises but they are okay.

According to the Miami Herald, a Miami firefighter will face a 96-hour suspension after causing a crash wtih a fire truck in August 2015, injuring 12 including firefighters.

Assistant Chief Pete Gomes said that the fire apparatus was heading to a fire when the ambulance driver went through an intersection without stopping. The fire apparatus and ambulance were responding to different calls.

According to the report, the city's policy states that an emergency vehicle driver slow down and make sure an intersection is safe before entering. Gomez stated that the driver failed to do that.

The crash was caught on video from multiple angles. After being struck, the fire truck ended up on its side after rolling and striking another vehicle.

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ELKTON, MD—W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., recently announced an enhancement of the warranty program for its line of moisture barriers and liner systems. This comprehensive program is aligned with the needs of fire departments as they continue to adopt the requirements of NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting (2014 ed.). 

Gore’s new warranty program covers materials and labor performed by participating verified Independent Service Providers (ISPs) and garment manufacturers. The warranty time and specific materials vary depending on the product:

• CROSSTECH® 3-layer moisture barrier (4A): 7-year warranty 
• CROSSTECH® black moisture barrier (2F): 5-year warranty
• GORE® PARALLON™ liner system (B2): 5-year warranty for the body-side layer, which is tested as the moisture barrier per NFPA 1971 Standard requirements
• GORE® RT7100 moisture barrier (3D): 4-year warranty (previously material only)

In addition to lengthening the warranty on these products, Gore is also extending the warranties retroactively for all of its moisture barriers currently in the market.  

Holly Blake, product manager in Gore’s North American Fire and Public Safety business, explained how these warranties are an example of Gore’s commitment to stand behind its product performance in the field. “Over the many years of our involvement with the fire industry, we have been collecting data about the maintenance and repair issues involved with turnout gear. We have used this data to develop durable, reliable products that meet the firefighter’s needs. We are confident that our moisture barriers and our new liner system withstand the wear-and-tear of the rugged environments firefighters encounter when responding to emergencies. Offering these new warranties with our products allows us to pass along additional value to departments, and helps them comply with the NFPA 1851 standard more easily.” 

For more information, visit www.GoreProtectiveFabrics.com.