Sparky the fire education dog coming to Kalispell

Fire safety education will be resumed soon in Kalispell, thanks to a grant obtained by the Kalispell Fire Department.

Jessica Kinzer, a nine-year firefighter, recently obtained a $1,800 grant from FM Global, an industrial insurer. FM Global representative Matt Paine delivered the check on Thursday.

Kinzer said she became aware of the grant while she was working on light duty last year while pregnant.

The Kalispell Fire Department hasn’t had fire prevention money available for two years, firefighter F. Ray Ruffatto said.

The department will use the money to purchase a “Sparky” costume. Sparky is a dog used nationally to educate children about fire prevention and safety.

Literature and DVDs also will be purchased to educate high-risk populations such as handicapped people and seniors, Kinzer said.

The Columbia Falls Fire Department also was received a $1,000 grant from FM Global to purchase smoke detectors.

Paine said the business gave $400,000 in grants last year.