A host of local grants have helped the the Columbia Falls Fire Department purchase 21 new self-contained breathing units.

The units are a key piece of equipment that allow a firefighter to enter a burning structure and breath safely.

Each new unit costs more than $8,000, fire chief Karl Weeks said.

The department received grants from Firehouse Subs for three units, the Weyerhaeuser Foundation for three units, Flathead 911 Foundation for two units; Flathead Electric Roundup for Safety for one unit and the remainder were purchased by both the city and rural fire departments.

The old units were about 20 years old, Weeks said. They were still fully functional however and were donated to the Hungry Horse and Martin City Fire Departments.