October 1, 2026 3:50 p.m. 

Central Douglas Fire & Rescue Authority has been awarded a $67,554 Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to purchase six commercial turnout gear washer-extractors.

A release from CDF&R Authority said this funding will allow them to place a dedicated commercial turnout gear washer-extractor at each of their six staffed fire stations. These machines will allow firefighters to properly clean their protective clothing at their assigned station following emergency incidents.

Firefighters can be exposed to numerous hazardous contaminants during structure fires and other emergency calls. Officials says that properly cleaning turnout gear is an important part of reducing exposure to those contaminants and protecting the long-term health of firefighters.

The release said Central Douglas Fire & Rescue responds to thousands of emergency calls each year throughout their service area. Central Douglas Fire & Rescue Authority is a partnership between Douglas County Fire District No. 2 and Winston-Dillard Fire District, providing fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the communities they serve.

Central Douglas Fire & Rescue will provide a $6,755 local match, bringing the total investment in this project to $74,310.