SILVANA — For the fifth straight year, Snohomish County Fire District 19 will receive a substantial grant to purchase new equipment.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Aug. 17 that that it had awarded a $73,625 Assistance to Firefighters grant to the district.

District 19 Fire Chief Keith Strotz said the grant will be used to purcase and install apparatus exhaust systems in both of the district’s fire stations.

Fire District 19 has received nearly $400,000 since 2005, and has helped the district purchase new communications and support equipment.

Assistance to Firefighters grants generally help fire districts enhance their response capabilities and improve firefighter safety, according to a FEMA news release.

Grant money often helps fund training or health and safety programs, as well as allow districts to purchase equipment and vehicles.

“The (grant) program has been instrumental in building capacity and providing needed resources for our nation’s firefighters,” said FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison.