CRANBERRY TWP — Cranberry-based MSA Safety Inc. has partnered with a UK nonprofit to provide breathing apparatuses to firefighters in developing countries.

The partnership with UK-based FIRE AID, which was founded in 2014, will deploy repurposed self-contained breathing apparatuses, or SCBAs, to firefighters in developing countries who may have limited access to protective equipment.

For three years, MSA will facilitate and fund the logistics associated with SCBAs donated or otherwise originating from 50 fire brigades in the UK. Additionally, the Cranberry company will donate MSA firefighting equipment and will provide training and support to FIRE AID volunteers and the brigades receiving MSA's donated equipment.

Through its donations, MSA will provide fire companies in developing nations access to its innovations in firefighting personal protective equipment.

“We want to do what we can to help firefighters in need, while also being environmentally responsible,” said Bob Leenen, president of MSA's international business segment. “In working with FIRE AID, we can assist in the repurposing of equipment in a way that helps protect firefighters, the communities they serve and the environment. It truly is a win, win, win initiative.”

Among FIRE AID's accomplishments are the training of more than 5,000 firefighters in developing nations through its donations of fire and rescue equipment as well as training services to more than 50 countries. According to the nonprofit, first responders in many developing countries work to save lives while themselves not having access to life-saving personal protective equipment. FIRE AID endeavors to change that.

“Because we deliver equipment and training around the globe to these first responders in desperate need, MSA Safety's donation is very much appreciated and will go a long way in helping protect emergency workers as they help to protect civilian lives,” FIRE AID coordinator Claire Hoyland said.