All Yakima Fire Department fire stations are equipped with apparatus exhaust capture and extraction systems that are manufactured by Nederman. These systems were installed at the time of the construction of the newer stations, and beginning in 1995 for the older stations. These systems are required by Chapter 296.305 WAC Safety Standards for Fire Fighters, and are designed to capture and remove toxic exhaust fumes created by fire apparatus when exiting stations. These systems expel the exhaust fumes from the apparatus bays to the exterior of the station.

The Fire Department has systems that are up to 25 years old. Due to their constant use, some of our systems are in need of repair and others are in need of replacement. The department has not had sufficient funds to maintain the systems for several years. We have evaluated all station systems and created a plan to repair those that are still serviceable and have several years of service, and replacing those systems that have reached the end of their service life and estimated repair costs are too expensive. Our plan will be a phased approach over the next several years. Benz Air Engineering Company Inc. is the only vendor in Washington State authorized by Nederman, the system manufacturer, to provide the materials required to maintain, repair, and replace our systems. This resolution only extends the sole source purchasing.  The City is not purchasing any equipment at this time.