Lions help firefighters sniff out the problem

The Big Lake Lions have teamed up with the Big Lake Volunteer Fire Department to make firefighting as safe as possible.

Last week, the Big Lake Lions donated $1,800 of multi-gas detectors, which can detect various levels and types of gases.

Big Lake Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bill Gamble said the equipment was greatly needed, and provides a great deal of safety to the community because of the equipment's versatility.

"We get called on a lot of CO (carbon monoxide) calls, and our old units could detect that, but that's it," Gamble explained. "These units are great. They detect several different kinds of gas and give readings on the levels.

"We can tell how much time we have in certain situations because of these units. We can tell how much oxygen there is or if there is potential for explosions. It makes everything a lot more safe for our firefighters, and for the community," Gamble said.

The B.W., Inc. Gas Alert Micro 4-gas detectors were chosen from a list of three options Big Lake Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Mark Chapoton presented to the Big Lake Lions, reflecting the needs of the department.

The units can calculate time-weighted exposure levels for day-long and short exposure periods. The previous models the department used could only detect carbon monoxide, and they didn't offer time-weighted exposure readings.

"That can help health care people make decisions for treatment, based on those readings," Gamble said. "They are sophisticated little units."

The explosive gas detection and measurement feature helps with propane calls. Previously, the department's only response to those calls was to evacuate and ventilate the area until it was safe to reenter.

Now, the department can respond to those types of calls and know exactly what they can expect.

"We'll be able to tell how much gas there is, and pretty much find out where it's coming from with the unit," Gamble said. "That's another way these units can help make the community safer."

The oxygen and hydrogen sulfide detecting features are vital for confined space emergencies as well.

The donation comes at a perfect time for the department, because the fire department is low on extra money this year because the department is purchasing a state of the art fire training tower, which is to be built later this summer at the department headquarters at Mile 3.5 Big Lake Road.

"The Big Lake Volunteer Fire Department is extremely thankful that the community it serves is standing behind the department, not only with words and moral support, but also with cold, hard cash and equipment," the department stated in a press release.

The Lions approached the fire department during the last couple of months with an offer to buy needed equipment.

At Gamble's request, Chapoton came up with several different packages of equipment the fire department could use, but recommended the gas detectors as his top choice.

The Lions took his recommendation and bought the equipment.

The detectors were officially donated during a March 6 ceremony at the Big Lake Lions den. The equipment is already in service and being used by the Big Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

The two units purchased for the department are small, rugged and easy to maintain and calibrate.

Chapoton uses the same unit daily during his job on the North Slope.

The Lions purchased one standalone gas dectector; one confined space kit including a detector, sampling pump and hose, calibration gas and regulator; and two rechargeable battery kits.

The Big Lake Lions bought the equipment from a local distributor, Air Gas of Anchorage.