The Ontario government is taking action to protect municipal firefighters from cancer-causing chemicals, committing $30 million over three years through the Fire Protection Grant.
This funding will help 374 municipal fire departments purchase decontamination equipment and upgrade infrastructure to reduce exposure to hazardous contaminants.
“Firefighters put service over self every day, facing dangerous situations to protect their communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Today’s announcement is another concrete step to ensure these heroes receive the care, resources, and support they deserve.”
The grant will allow fire services to acquire specialized washing and drying machines to clean bunker gear and wildland firefighting coveralls effectively. It will also fund air purification and ventilation system upgrades in fire facilities, reducing long-term health risks.
“Public safety isn’t just about providing tools for the job – it’s about supporting first responders on and off the job,” said Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. “This grant directly supports the health of firefighters who risk their safety daily to protect us.”
Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters in Canada, with 50 to 60 fatalities annually, half of them in Ontario. The initiative is part of the 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario, focusing on enhancing public safety by ensuring fire services have the resources to respond effectively while safeguarding their personnel.
The $30 million grant will be distributed in $10 million increments each year, supporting approximately 33,000 firefighters across Ontario, including full-time, part-time, and volunteer personnel.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)