This project provides for the acquisition of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment used in structural firefighting. SCBA is among the most vital pieces of equipment a firefighter relies on to protect life and property. MCFRS is obligated to equip firefighters with the safest and most advanced gear available when they enter Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmospheres. A total of 1,969 facepieces will be purchased, including 443 facepieces with a radio-direct interface and 1,526 facepieces without the radio-direct interface. The facepieces with the radio direct interface will be for officers. The project will also provide for the purchase of 1,050 airpacks and cylinders.

Equipment to be purchased in FY27.

Most personally issued MCFRS facepieces currently in use were purchased separately in 2014 and exceed the 10-year warranty and standard replacement guidelines. The warranty for existing SCBA harnesses and cylinders expires in December 2026, resulting in projected maintenance costs exceeding $500,000 per year. Replacing over decade-old SCBA units in FY27 will improve reliability and ensure compliance with the latest NFPA revisions, including universal interoperability within the region.

Expenditures will continue indefinitely.