The Coeur d’Alene Fire Department recently put new self-contained breathing apparatus into service.

Firefighters switched from Scott brand SCBAs to MSA brand.

"These breathing apparatuses are arguably the most important piece of personal protective equipment that firefighters use to provide fresh breathing air to firefighters in hazardous air environments," according to a press release.

Seventy units, with a life of about 15 years, were purchased through $600,000 in grant funding.

The City Council identified the new SCBAs as a priority in budget talks last year.

The city's Scott SCBA units still useable will be deemed surplus and given to other agencies, including Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and the Pritchard Murray Volunteer Fire Department.

In-service training with the new air masks included familiarization with the functions, cleaning and maintenance, as well as drills to test proficiency in their use under realistic working conditions.

"We would like to thank our mayor and City Council for continuing to prioritize public safety for the city of Coeur d’Alene," according to a statement from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department.