Grant helps Lincolnville fire department

A grant will help Lincolnville Fire Department put additional protective gear into service for volunteer firefighters.

MFA Oil Foundation awarded $2,000 that will be paired with another grant to purchase personal protective equipment, or bunker gear, fire chief Lester Kaiser said.

“It will help put protective gear on another firefighter, allowing them to perform their duty,” Kaiser said. “It also means a great deal having a local company support the volunteer firefighters.”

Bunker gear is specialized equipment firefighters wear when responding to structure fires and other dangerous calls.

“It’s designed to protect against extreme heat, flame, smoke, falling debris, and hazardous conditions,” Kaiser said.

Gear typically includes a helmet, coat, pants, gloves, and boots, along with a breathing apparatus. The grant will cover protective clothing and equipment but not breathing apparatus.

Volunteer departments such as Lincolnville rely heavily on outside funding to maintain and replace gear, which is costly but critical for firefighter safety.