Health hazards are being decreased for Pleasant Grove's firefighters, now that a new vehicle exhaust removal system has been installed in the fire station. The system, a MagneGrip System, was has been in operation at the station since July 23.

The system includes a large exhaust fan and a system of large hoses that connect to each vehicle in the apparatus area of the station. According to a press release, the hoses remain connected to the vehicles until they drive out of the station. Then, the hoses automatically disconnect.

The exhaust fan is electronically connected through sensors in the hose and automatically cycles to ensure the apparatus area remains clear of the vehicle exhaust. "It is very mechanically simple, but highly effective," said Sanderson. According to Sanderson, the system is user-friendly for the firefighters.

"This system captures all of the exhaust from all the trucks and removes it from inside the station as the vehicles are started," said Dave Thomas, Deputy Fire Chief. "Without the system, any time a rig was started, the exhaust from the rig would fill the apparatus bay and would have to dissipate through normal air movement."

According to Thomas, fumes would linger for long periods of time, including in the office and living areas of the station. "There has been an immediate and complete abatement of vehicle exhaust in the station bays. The health benefits, short and long-term, will be profound," he said.

The total cost of the vehicle exhaust removal system was $89,500. The cost of the system and installation was part of a firefighter safety grant that was awarded to the department through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency.) The 90/10 matching Assistance to Firefighters Grant also included 41 new sets of firefighter protective clothing. The city's portion of the cost is 10 percent.