Minn. firefighters receive grant to purchase cancer-preventing washing machines

By Edie Schmierbach
The Free Press 

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Six area fire departments are among state recipients of grant funds to purchase washing machines that effectively remove carcinogens from firefighters' gear.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division distributed $600,000 in grants to 73 fire departments.

• Easton's department will use the funds to purchase a washer and dryer to clean its 17 firefighters' gear.

• Madelia's department was funded for the purchase of machines to wash and dry the gear of its 25 members.

• Green Isle's department will purchase a gear washer for its 21 members.
• Le Sueur's department will purchase a gear washer for its 24 members.
• South Bend's department will soon have a gear washer for its 21 members.
• Waldorf's department will be able to buy a gear washer for its 19 members.

Studies show that firefighters are exposed to carcinogens during fires and are further exposed via soiled turnout gear, Minnesota Department of Public Safety Director of Communications Bruce Gordon said in a press release.

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