Lowcountry fire department benefits from $186,000 grant

NORTH CHARLESTON (WCSC) - Fire Chief Scott Inabinet is more confident now than ever before.

The head of the Ashley River Fire Department, at 8045 Dorchester Road, recently purchased new 34 new air paks for his team, also known as a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

SCBAs provide air while firefighters navigate through structures filled with smoke or toxic gas. The new model offers breathing time of up to 30 minutes, a firefighter tracking device, and is smaller and lighter in weight.

The department made the purchase through an Assistance to Firefighters grant, which totaled more than $186,000.

The new paks replace models from the 1980's and 90's.

"Every year we were spending several thousand dollars to replace straps and other parts and components that after time, wear out," Inabinet said.

"It helps a lot of us sleep a little better at night because all of us are better protected."

Inabinet says the compact design makes it easier to navigate through crawl spaces, or structures with hanging wires.

Currently, the department serves close to 18,000 people over a 15 square-mile radius, also rendering aid to the North Charleston Fire Department, and Old Fort Fire.

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