Firefighters face elevated cancer risk tied to combustion products from structure fires, Valley Regional Fire Authority Fire Chief Bridal Thompson said, and VRFA is implementing prevention and wellness measures.

Thompson said modern fires produce hazardous smoke and particulates from plastics, mattresses and other carbon‑based materials, making nearly every structure fire effectively a hazardous‑materials event. He described steps VRFA is emphasizing: immediate cleansing of skin after fires, professional cleaning of bunker gear after exposure, providing spare sets so firefighters do not return to service in contaminated gear, and ensuring personnel shower and decontaminate before resuming duty.

Thompson also discussed mental‑health and peer‑support investments and said the authority is funding cancer‑prevention strategies and a well‑established peer support program. He referenced the recent Celebration of Life for Deputy Chief Bill Mack, which was treated as a line‑of‑duty death due to cancer linked to occupational exposure, and acknowledged the ongoing toll these illnesses take on the fire service.

Ending: Thompson said VRFA is committed to improving protections so personnel leave the fire service as healthy as when they started and that the agency will continue to work regionally to reduce occupational risk.