A firefighter takes a break during the fight against the fire that destroyed Parkcrest Elementary School in 2019. (Image Credit: CFJC Today / File Photo)

By Silvia Senna

"It's a family and we want to help however we can"

For the first time in Canada, January is recognized as Firefighter Awareness Month

Jan 12, 2024 | 7:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Firefighters have 9 per cent greater risk of being diagnosed with cancer than the general public and 14 per cent higher risk of dying from occupational cancer. According to the British Columbia Professional Firefighter’s Association (BCPFFA), 61 per cent of line of duty deaths in the province have been linked to cancer. With that in mind, the federal government established January as Firefighter Awareness Month, a national framework to prevent and treat cancers linked to firefighting.

“Cancer in the fire service is very prevalent,” said Ryan Cail, deputy chief with Kamloops Fire Rescue. “They’re recognizing how drastic it is amongst firefighters and how long-lasting it’s affecting, whether it’s caught early or whether it’s quite late. The number of firefighters who are being afflicted with cancer is super high.”

Even though the numbers are high and workers are aware of the risks, it is always difficult to hear about a crew member diagnosed with the disease.

“Whenever we hear the news that one of our own had a recent or longstanding diagnosis with cancer, there’s definitely a reach out, whether it be from the union or from management. Just as simple as mowing lawns or helping with groceries […] It’s a family and we want to help however we can,” said Cail.

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In the meantime, firefighters are advised and trained in best practices to minimize contamination following a fire call.

“What we do typically is when a firefighter comes out of a structure fire, and it’s all done on the fire ground, they are now in what we call a ‘gross decon.’ They are scrubbed down. Soap and water to get all that particulate off their bunker gear, their PPE,” explained Todd Schierling, president of the B.C. Professional Firefighter’s Association.

According to research, firefighting is a job whose occupational hazards include high exposure to cancer-causing agents.

“There’s 18 cancers covered in B.C. Although, in Saskatchewan and other provinces, there’s 22 cancers covered. I think we can make some gains. I think we can include cover in the respiratory system, complete the digestive gastro tract system, complete the female reproductive cancers. In fact, I would go on to say that I think all cancers should be covered,” said Schierling.

While added coverage would be beneficial, there are limits to eliminating the dangers firefighters face.

“I don’t know that it’ll ever completely disappear, given the nature of our work. All the improvements and knowledge are going to help, for sure. And only time will tell if we can study and see what the numbers are doing. If we can limit the numbers, then that would be excellent,” said Cail.

Image Credit: B.C. Professional Firefighters Association