Halton Hills has secured $51,000 from the province to help protect its firefighters' health and safety.
Dignitaries and fire officials gathered today to recognize the funding the Town has been awarded through Ontario’s Fire Safety Grant Program.
The grant will enable the Halton Hills Fire Department to implement two projects:
Annual Gear Inspection and Repair
Firefighter protective gear will be sent to an independent service provider for annual cleaning and inspection, ensuring compliance with NFPA 1851 standards. This process helps maintain gear integrity and minimizes exposure to cancer-causing toxins by keeping bunker gear clean and functional. Regular inspections instill confidence that gear provides the expected level of protection against heat and contaminants.
Particulate Blocking Hood Exchange
Firefighters will receive a clean particulate-blocking hood for each fire response. After initial use, hoods will be replaced during rehab or cylinder exchange, eliminating the need to reuse contaminated gear. Used hoods will be laundered according to NFPA 1851 standards and returned for future use. This program significantly reduces carcinogen absorption through the neck and head, addressing recommendations in the Firefighter Cancer Prevention Checklist.
"The Town invests heavily to ensure that our firefighters have personal protective equipment to carry out their often-dangerous duties,” said Mayor Ann Lawlor. "These funds from the province will help test the ongoing performance and reliability of their gear.”
MPP Joseph Racinsky said he's proud to be part of a government that supports first responders.
"Through this grant we are helping protect the people that protect us. I want to congratulate the Town of Halton Hills on their successful application,” he said.
Learn more about fire safety initiatives on the Town’s website at haltonhills.ca.