As more research comes out about the long-term effects on firefighters of exposure to chemicals, personal protective equipment is crucial.
Many departments have lost members to cancers that were linked to those chemicals.
Fire Chief Marty Wellwood brought word to council that Grey Highlands was successful with a Cancer Prevention grant of almost $17,000 to provide 45 sets of extrication overalls.
This provincial program was announced in the 2024 budget. A $2,000 difference between the grant and purchase price will be covered through the fire operating budget.
Firefighters also will be able to wear the overalls to public events and to certain medical calls, reducing the time in full gear.
That’s a step to protect firefighters and the public from any byproducts of combustion that may persist. Regular washing of bunker gear is standard, as is its regular replacement, a few each year, through the budget.
Up to now, firefighters have worn bunker gear to almost all public education as well as all types of calls.
A source of concern raised by firefighter association is exposure to polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. Linked to liver damage, thyroid disease, developmental issues, high cholesterol and cancer.
LEGION DONATION
Related to the fire department was a $5,400 donation from the Flesherton-Markdale Legion.
Coun. Joel Loughead called the donation great news, with the money being used to buy a new thermal imaging camera.
The Grey Highlands Fire Department has strong links with many community organizations.
Branch 333 Flesherton Markdale Legion has supported the fire department for years with money from the Poppy Fund.
In the past the money has gone to purchase equipment like a Cutter Edge Saw, and Defibrillators.
Chief Wellwood explained in his staff report that a thermal imaging camera is essential as it allows firefighters to “see” through smoke and locate victims as well as detect hidden fire spread behind walls or ceiling.
After the fire, the camera allows the firefighters to make sure hot spots are fully extinguished.
SAVED BY THE BEEP
An upcoming campaign by the fire department will support the Saved by the Beep initiative.
September 28 is Test Your Smoke Alarm Day in Ontario – the second annual, and Grey Highlands Fire Department wants to spread the word.
The Office of the Fire Marshal launched the program in 2023 because deaths from fires in 2022 reached a 20-year high of 133.
The Fire Department asked for help of members of council in taking the word to the public to reach as many people as possible.
Councillors responded, and started plans to publicize the cause online.
So, all residents are encouraged to Push the Button on Sept. 28 – the “Test” button on their smoke alarm.