Varna fire to purchase breathing apparatuses through grant

The Varna Volunteer Fire Company recently received grant funding to upgrade equipment that ensures the safety and effectiveness of firefighters when facing hazardous conditions.

The department was awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant worth $121,000. The grant will help Varna purchase 20 new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), a crucial advancement in firefighting capabilities.

“It’s huge for us because we’re [currently] operating SCBAs that are almost outdated,” said Nikola Danev, Varna’s assistant chief for emergency medical services and public information officer.

FEMA’s AFG grant program “supports fire departments and emergency medical service organizations in enhancing their readiness and capabilities. By providing financial assistance, AFG empowers first responders to better protect their communities and effectively respond to various emergencies,” according to a release.

Danev noted that Varna’s current SCBAs, many of which are close to 20 years old or even older, are too bulky.

“[The bulkiness] prevents us from getting in tighter spaces and access to certain areas that are difficult,” Danev said.

Danev mentioned that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) “maintains strict standards” on the age of equipment. The NFPA’s standards aren’t legally binding, Danev said, but are considered “best practices,” and fire departments “should strictly adhere to them.”

“We’re getting in that critical zone where in a few years we’re not going to be able to use [the old SCBAs],” Danev said. “It’s really important we replace them.”

The new SCBAs, Danev said, are smaller but provide the same amount of air as the bulkier ones.

“These smaller SCBAs will allow us to get into more difficult-to-reach spaces,” Danev said.

Danev added that the new SCBAs are also lighter and “made of newer, modern materials.” The new SCBAs provide detail on how much air is left, warning systems and “better ways for future integration,” he said.

“It would allow us to have less fatigue but also maintain a longer time using that air because you’re expending less and won’t have to consume as much,” Danev said. “[There are] lots of new advancements from these new SCBAs.”

Danev noted at first, the size of the older SCBAs wasn’t “seen as restricting” for firefighters. However, when Varna purchased six newer SCBAs through a $35,428 FEMA AFG grant last year, the size made the department realize the significant difference in the equipment.

“Our firefighters can actually be on air for a longer amount of time, even though the capacity of the cylinder is the same, just because it is more compact,” Danev said.

The release noted that having 26 new SCBA units will significantly enhance Varna’s capabilities on emergency calls. Danev noted that the new SCBAs come to a department of 52 active first responders, 25 of whom are EMTs and about 20 are interior-certified firefighters.

“[The new units ensure] that our firefighters are well-equipped to face the evolving challenges of modern fires,” the release stated.

With new life-saving devices that provide a “continuous supply of breathable air,” the release stated, firefighters can work in environments compromised by smoke, toxic fumes and other airborne hazards.

“We’re really excited we’ll be able to make these changes,” Danev said. “It lines up with our goal to reduce the exposure of our firefighters that’s potentially harmful or dangerous, while forming an excellent job for our community.”

For information on the Varna Volunteer Fire Company and its initiatives, contact Danev at ndanev@varnafire.org or 607-273-2407.

Dryden Dispatch appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Dryden town court closed for a week this month

The Town of Dryden announced that its courts will be closed from Sept. 18 to Sept. 20. There will be no court proceedings that week.

Annual Dryden haunted house event is in October

The Town of Dryden Recreation Department will hold its annual haunted house event in October.

The free-of-charge event is called “Asylum: Will You Survive?” It will be held on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 at the Dryden Fire Hall at 26 North St. in the village.

The evening scare show will take place on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. On Oct. 28, a kid-friendly, lights-on scare show is scheduled from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Candy and costumes are welcome at the event. Non-monetary donations are accepted for the Dryden Food Pantry or Toys for Tots.

For information, contact the town’s recreation department at 607-844-8888.

Program on restoration of Dryden fair poster is Sunday

The Dryden Town Historical Society (DTHC) will hold a program on the restoration of the 1885 Dryden Fair poster this Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the village hall at 16 South St.

Luisa Casella, of West Lake Conservators, will present the poster. It was previously heavily damaged and in dire condition.

For more information, contact the DTHC at 607-844-9209 or drydennyhistory@gmail.com.