INNISFAIL – The town has begun to donate urgently needed firefighting equipment to Ukrainian firefighters.
Gary Leith, manager of fire and protective services for the Town of Innisfail, appeared at town council’s regular meeting on April 11 requesting approval to donate 18 decommissioned self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), along with 30 oxygen cylinders to beleaguered firefighters in Ukraine.
A SCBA is a device typically worn in firefighting to provide breathable air for firefighters in conditions that are considered immediately dangerous to their lives or health.
Council was told the equipment would be donated to Firefighter Aid Ukraine, an Edmonton-based non-profit organization with a project to send firefighting equipment, life rescue, and medical supplies to the Ukraine.
Leith told council members that Red Deer Emergency Services members are coordinating local fire departments to provide donations of equipment, which will be taken to Edmonton before being delivered to the Ukraine.
He said the equipment will be used to replace ones that are damaged and/or destroyed during the ongoing war against Russia.
“We are seeing horrific images out of Ukraine. They are heartbreaking and I am confident this community will fully support anything we can do to support Ukraine. Kudos to manager Leith for taking this initiative,” said Mayor Jean Barclay.
Leith told council the Innisfail Fire Department's 2022 budget included capital expenditure to replace breathing apparatus on SCBA units.
He said the decommissioned SCBA units were to be disposed of as they have little to no resale value and are within 12 months of their expected service life.
Leith said he expected the decommissioned SCBA units will be delivered to Firefighter Aid Ukraine by the end of the month.
Council unanimously approved the motion to make the donation with Coun. Jason Heistad asking whether there was anything else the town could do for the Ukrainian firefighters.
“Basically, what we have is a bit of a grocery list that is the best way to describe it,” said Leith. “We do have other additional equipment we could provide to them but right now this is what they are looking for, so we are filling that need off that grocery list.”
