WEST PARIS – Town Manager Vern Maxfield told selectmen Tuesday that the fire department received a $2,800 grant to assist with equipment purchases. The money comes from the Maine State Volunteer Firefighters Assistance Title 4 Grant Program.

Maxfield said fire Chief Geff Inman told him the money will be used to buy equipment such as goggles, protective masks, LED head lamps for helmets, gloves and other accessories.

“The department is pleased to receive this money from the state as it makes it possible for these accessories to be purchased without changing the department’s budget request for the coming year,” Maxfield said.

It is the second grant received by the department this winter. Earlier, it received $43,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which is being used to buy turnout gear, air packs and other protection equipment.

Maxfield said equipment coming through the homeland grant is expected this week.

“I have received word that the turnout gear, air packs and accompanying accessories are on their way and we will have all we ordered this week,” he said.

He told selectmen that this winter’s road maintenance costs are up significantly due to the frequency of storms and high cost of fuel.

“It has cost us $60,000 since the first of January compared to from $20,000 to $30,000 during the past several winters. Overtime for the men has not been that much more than in the past because they are careful not to work more than is necessary to get the job done. They don’t hang around the garage letting time run. They get the job finished, put the equipment away and head for home,” Maxfield said.