ATLANTA — Federal officials have been investigating air packs worn by DeKalb County firefighters, who say they’ve been left gasping for air while fighting fires.

WSB-TV reports that firefighters in Arizona and Alaska have experienced similar problems with the equipment. Firefighters have reported that mouthpieces fell apart, cutting off air, along with other issues.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that firefighters in Phoenix, Ariz., and Anchorage, Alaska, have reported issues such as losing clean air while wearing Draeger Safety air packs.

Tim Martin, vice president of sales and service for Pittsburgh-based Draeger Safety Inc., says the company is cooperating with an investigation by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, part of the Centers for Disease Control. Martin said the company is confident its equipment will be found to be safe.