Burlington Fire Department will be better able to support firefighter safety thanks to provincial funding.
The City of Burlington will receive $135,808 through the Government of Ontario’s Fire Protection Grant program to support safety and cancer prevention initiatives.
MPP for Oakville North – Burlington, Effie Triantafilopoulos, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Ward 6 Councillor, Angelo Bentivegna, Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns; Commissioner community service Jacqueline Johnson; fire chief Karen Roche and deputy fire chief Drew Boys gathered for the announcement last week.
Launching in 2024 and expanding in 2025, the Fire Protection Grant program is designed to help municipal fire departments enhance cancer prevention measures and improve preparedness for emerging risks, including lithium-ion battery-related incidents.
“This is a welcome investment, and we’re thrilled to see funding directed toward the safety of our first responders," noted fire chief Karen Roche. "It’s a valuable addition to our ongoing efforts to reduce firefighter exposure to hazards and strengthen our health, safety, and emergency response capabilities.”
This marks the second consecutive year that Burlington has received funding through the program. The funding will be directed toward key initiatives focused on reducing firefighter exposure to carcinogenic contaminants and improving the safety and service life of critical protective equipment. Specifically, the Burlington Fire Department will use the grant funding to support the following initiatives:
* Third-party bunker gear cleaning and inspection through certified NFPA-compliant vendors to ensure advanced decontamination, inspection, and repair of protective gear. Acquisition of a lithium-capable gear extractor to enable timely in-house decontamination of gear exposed to lithium-ion battery fires between third-party cleanings.
* Implementation of a specialized SCBA decontamination washer to thoroughly clean respiratory equipment and further reduce carcinogen exposure This investment reinforces the Burlington Fire Department’s commitment to firefighter health and safety, cancer prevention, and modernized response capabilities, while aligning with provincial guidance, NFPA standards, and occupational health best practices.
Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre said the news is fantastic.
"This investment, through the Fire Protection Grant, will go a long way to ensure our firefighters have the resources and modern safety equipment they need to expand cancer-prevention initiatives and incidents related to lithium-ion battery fires," she said. "The safety of firefighters and first responders is a priority, and this funding reflects our commitment to supporting those who serve on the front lines every day.”
MPP for Oakville North–Burlington, Effie Triantafilopoulos echoed her comments.
“Our firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe, and it’s essential that we do everything possible to protect their health on the job. Our government’s investment of $135,808 will help the Burlington Fire Department strengthen cancer prevention measures, modernize critical equipment, and reduce exposure to dangerous contaminants—ensuring firefighters have the protection they deserve while serving our community.”
Meed Ward added the city is grateful for the funds and realizes the importance of it.
"Modern safety equipment is crucial and ensures our frontline firefighters can serve Burlington with confidence and care," she said.