The Vance County Fire Department needs six sets of turnout gear and four air packs, at the very least, to make sure firefighters have adequate protection when they are fighting fires, according to Chief Chris Wright.
But this year’s county budget included a freeze on capital improvements that has the procurement on hold, so far.
The issue was discussed at last week’s county commissioners’ meeting, with support and recommendation for lifting the freeze by County Manager Renee Perry, but it was referred to the Public Safety Committee, which is scheduled to meet on Dec. 20.
“We’re looking to replace three sets of gear,” Wright told WIZS News, because of damage or wear. Another three sets are for newer employees, who have been using turnout gear that doesn’t fit properly.
“It’s big and bulky on them,” Wright said. “You don’t want to have but so much void space between you and your protective gear. If you have too much void space, too much thermal heat, that’s when firefighters start to get steam burns” he said.
