Deputy fire marshal discusses reducing risk of occupational cancer in firefighters

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – The month of January is shining a light on firefighters who put their lives on the line and face serious occupational hazards — some of which can have long-term effects and, in some cases, cause death.

During Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month firefighters are provided with the necessary tools and guidance to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention and support those with a cancer diagnosis within their departments.

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According to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), 72% of IAFF member line-of-duty deaths in 2023 were due to occupational cancer.

Huntsville Fire and Rescue is protecting its team members in the field by monitoring what they put on, and in, their bodies.

Huntsville Deputy Fire Marshal Trent Bennett says firefighters face occupational hazards, like carcinogens, when encountering fires. Chemicals found in “modern furniture” and other common daily items can be released when caught on fire.

Over the years the department has taken measures to address these hazards.

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“As soon as we get done fighting fires we try to decon,” said Bennett. “(We) make sure that we’re getting our equipment cleaned at all times; even when we wear our hoods, we make sure we don’t use the same ones over and over. And some other factors that we do is we try to take our health… make sure we have clean eating habits. You know, all the different types of factors such as having better health.”

Bennett tells News 19 that everyone can play a part in keeping firefighters safe through prevention.

“If we understand fire prevention, that can eliminate a lot of fires which keeps us out of situations and help us maintain our safety.”

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