The Knoxville Firefighters Association is raising money to purchase a potentially life-saving washing machine.

The group of firefighters fills unbudgeted needs they have in order to keep themselves safer and more effective. Firefighter Austin Rhinehart tells KNIA/KRLS News the group recently received a donation of $500 from the Lorri Jahner Memorial Fund. The gear washer is a special heavy duty machine that uses specially designed soap and lets firefighters effectively wash their turnout gear, the heavy clothes they wear to protect them against extreme heat. Studies conducted by the CDC show that without these special washing methods firefighters are far more likely to develop a range of cancers from the carcinogens that build up in their protective gear. The study also showed that firefighters were more likely to die from cancer if they developed it. Some funds are available from the Firefighters memorial fund and other sources, but Rhinehart says a basic gear washer will cost about $10,000. For more information or to make a donation contact the Knoxville City Fire Department at 641-828-0586.