Burlington Fire Wins State 'Senior SAFE' Grant

BURLINGTON, MA — The Burlington Fire Department has won a $2,680 grant from the state for senior fire safety, Chief Michael Patterson said Monday.

Senior SAFE is a seven-year-old state program that grants money to local fire departments for fire safety education. Between Senior SAFE and the matching student program Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.), the state gives out $1.9 million annually.

Burlington's grant money will be used for the department's fire safety and education program with seniors and for safety improvements in senior housing, Patterson said. The department works with the Council Aging on the Senior Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Program.

"We are grateful to receive this funding to help educate and protect some of our most vulnerable residents," Patterson said in a statement. "We look forward to connecting with our residents in the coming months as we continue this important work to keep seniors safe in their homes."

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.