Community Foundation Supports MH Fire’s Air Cleaning System

MILL HALL – It’s dangerous enough that firefighters are exposed to dense smoke, carbon monoxide and/or gas leaks when fighting fires or responding to emergencies. They should not have to worry about hazardous vehicle exhaust emissions and pollutants from inside their own fire stations. That is the impetus behind the Mill Hall Vol.

Fire Co.’s investment in an air cleaning system at its station at Water Street and Peale Avenue in Mill Hall.
The fire company was awarded a $5,000 competitive grant from the Clinton County Community Foundation and leveraged those funds with state grant money and money from its own bank account to invest in the system installed by Air Cleaning Systems Inc. of Latham, N.Y., according to Fire Chief Tony Walker.

A handful of fire companies in the county have these systems. Essentially, it’s an exhaust system that takes emissions from the fire and rescue trucks and vents them outside. From an overhead track system, hoses are magnetically connected to modified exhaust systems on fire vehicles to vent emissions.

That, Walker said, will not only keep the air inside the truck bays, office and storage areas free from life-threatening carbon monoxide gas, but also will protect the adjoining banquet room that serves as the Mill Hall Senior Community Center and hosts many gatherings. Mill Hall Vol. Fire Co. has four trucks and firefighters are quite busy, having already responded to 126 calls from Jan. 1 through June 11, and 236 in 2023.

Like with all volunteer fire companies in the region, Walker said manpower is an issue. He praised the dedicated volunteers who loyally respond when called to help their fellow residents.

For more information on how you can support the Clinton County Community Foundation, visit www.clintoncountyfoundation.org, or call 507.220.1038.