The fire marshal's office with South King Fire & Rescue is scheduled to receive a $2,500 grant on Thursday, April 26, to fund specialized equipment for a fire investigation vehicle.

Jerry Kenkel, vice-president and San Francisco engineering manager of FM Global, will present the check to Fire Marshal Ron Biesold and Investigator Laine McGee, at Headquarters Station 62, 31617 First Ave. S. in Federal Way, at a 3 p.m. ceremony.

Des Moines is part of the South King Fire and Rescue department.

South King Fire investigators are supported in their work by a special investigation truck that carries specialized tools and evidence containers.

Each investigation takes time, and a fire engine is required to supply power so lighting and ventilation equipment can be used over a long period of time. This means the "in-service" engine must to remain at the scene when it is needed to maintain adequate coverage for the rest of the fire district.

In the last 18 months South King Fire & Rescue has investigated four arson fires.

Biesold devised a solution that would have an inverter and batteries installed on the investigation truck to provide the necessary power supply.

McGee then applied for an arson grant through FM Global for $2,500 to purchase the needed equipment that would help with arson investigations.

FM Global has a highly competitive arson grant program to assist fire departments and related agencies worldwide, striving to prevent and control arson.

The organization has contributed more than $2 million toward the purchase of investigative tools and related equipment, as well as funding training and juvenile fire setting programs.

"The communities we serve really will benefit from this truck and its equipment to fully investigate fires and if determined to be arson, we will work with local law enforcement to prosecute individuals who intentionally set fires," said Biesold.