The Altona Fire Department is swapping out its old self contained breathing apparatus units with some new ones.

SCBA units are used by firefighters and others to provide breathable air in an atmosphere that is dangerous to life or health and are attached as a back pack.

The move is part of a cost cutting move for the department as it tries to stretch its budget.

"I did a review on the pricing of our airpacks and found that we can purchase an equivalent airpack at about half the price," said Fire Chief Greg Zimmerman.

Zimmerman says the newer units will provide about the same functionality as the older units, and will ride a little better on the back of a firefighter.