The Phillips 66 refinery has approved a grant for $35,000 to the Billings Fire Department. This grant is for two items directly related to firefighting training and safety. The Digital Fire Training System is a portable prop that can be set up quickly and replicates the actual scene of a fire. This prop allows the Training Division to stage multiple fire attack scenarios in various locations and facilities. The  training combines the use of the Incident Command System (ICS) and utilization of resources to find the source of the fire, search for victims, ventilate a structure and perform all the tasks associated with an actual structure fire.
Rehab Shelter: The Fire Department does not have equipment that supports the tracking of firefighter physical condition during stressful situations such as structure fires,  hazardous material incidents, and extended emergency situations. The grant from Phillips 66 will be used to purchase a complete, rehab shelter system that meets NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) guidelines. The function of the rehab system is to monitor firefighter vitals, provide a baseline for targeting critical medical issues, and ensuring a firefighter is able to return to active duty.

City Council may accept or not accept the $35,000 donation from Phillips 66 for the purchase of a digital fire training system and a rehabilitation shelter.

The donated funds will purchase equipment that is not included in the Fire Department's FY 2017 budget and it would not be purchased without the donation.

Staff recommends that the City Council accept the $35,000 donation from Phillips 66 for the purchase of the Digital Fire Training System and a Rehabilitation Shelter.