HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Following the wildfires of this spring, the Hutchinson Fire Department decided it needed some different gear in order to make fighting such fires safer and easier.

So they have started a campaign to raise money through grants and donations to purchase brush gear that is lighter and easier to move around in. Such gear is ideal for an environment like the Sand Hills.

The department got a nice boost to that fund Monday when Luminous Neon presented HFD with a check for $1,000 to go toward the purchase of such gear.

The presentation came following a safety meeting with Luminous employees.

Chief Steven Beer says they are working to raise a matching amount for a $4,000 grant they received from the Kansas State Forestry Service to purchase more of the gear.