“The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations,” according to FEMA’s website. “Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.”
Wildland equipment is lighter and more secure while providing the same fire protection as traditional equipment. It is designed for superior footing, comfort and mobility in environments where the priority is not having the fastest response possible to save lives from a house fire, but preparing for a long, drawn out battle with a wildfire on uneven ground. The equipment sets purchased by the grant funds include overshirts, overpants, helmets, gloves, goggles and boots according to the city council announcement.
So far in 2024, there have been 16 vegetation fires and 2024’s numbers could potentially meet or exceed 2023’s, according to Staines. The equipment provided by the Assistance to Firefighters Grant could not only help the Lenoir Fire Department be prepared to respond to these fires, but also be prepared to offer assistance to other nearby municipalities if they call for mutual aid.