The Township of Esquimalt is making the health of its first responders a top priority.
Esquimalt council directed staff to use $75,000 from the contingency account to move towards potentially life-saving PFAS-free firefighting gear for the Esquimalt Fire Services.
At the township's Monday, Nov. 25 meeting, Esquimalt Fire Chief Matt Furlot made the case for the new gear, saying the current gear they use contains PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances, which are associated with cancer and other health risks.
"In doing so, [council] would be removing the risk of PFAS exposure from turnout gear and prioritizing the health and safety of the firefighters," Furlot told the council.
In June 2023, the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association and the Fire Chiefs Association of BC issued a joint statement warning firefighters of the adverse health risks associated with firefighter turnout gear.
"[The associations] are working closely together to ensure best practices are followed in light of the recent studies that have shown that all three layers of firefighter turnout gear contain [PFAS], a class of fluorinated chemicals known as 'forever chemicals' which have been linked to cancer and other serious health effects," noted the statement.
According to the price quote for the gear, 31 pairs of PFAS-free pants, jackets, liners and moisture barriers come to a price of almost $150,000. The fire department agreed to pay half of the price from their own operational budget and the replacement gear budget.
In an emailed statement, Coun. Andrea Boardman said they "are happy to be provincial leaders and support our firefighters in their endeavour to improve safety for their members. Fighting fires comes with inherent risks already - the gear that firefighters wear should definitely not add to the dangers of their job."
“I have witnessed far too many firefighters throughout my career diagnosed with occupational cancer, and I have attended far too many funerals as a result,” said Esquimalt fire chief Matt Furlot in a news release. “By prioritizing PFAS-free turnout gear for Esquimalt Fire Rescue Services staff, the mayor and council have taken a significant step in putting firefighter safety and well-being at the forefront. This decision not only protects our team but also sets an example for others to follow. It fills me with pride to see our department leading the way in this critical initiative.”
The motion to provide the remainder of the funds for the equipment passed unanimously.
