Mesa Fire Department to expand SCBA and helmet cleaning to reduce cancer risk

Mesa — Mesa’s fire leadership told council on March 17 the department is expanding cleaning protocols for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) packs and helmets as part of a cancer‑mitigation effort.

At the study session the fire chief said the initiative responds to research linking carcinogen residues from fires to elevated cancer risk among firefighters. “As we're going through cancer mitigation and cancer risk reduction, we found that in the SCBA packs and on the helmets that we have not cleaned in the past…that still emits fumes and still emits toxins,” the chief said. The chief added the program will be supported with grant dollars.

Nut graf: the department is formalizing decontamination practices for protective equipment and apparatus to reduce potential long‑term health risks for firefighters while maintaining operational readiness.

Staff described current and expanded practices: crewmembers now decon at scenes and remove packs from cabs and side compartments; vehicles and personal gear are sprayed down to limit contaminants brought back to stations. The chief said helmets historically were seen as a “badge of honor” and not routinely cleaned, but residue can re‑emit toxic gases when reheated on later calls. “Getting them clean, getting the SCBAs clean is all very much, appreciated,” Councilmember Duff said in support.

The department noted it keeps two sets of turnout gear so firefighters can swap out contaminated sets for washed gear after large incidents. The chief said studies indicate carcinogens can persist on packs and helmets, supporting the expanded cleaning practice.

Ending: The study-session discussion did not include a formal council vote; staff said grant funding will pay for the cleaning program and the department will continue to phase in decontamination work to reduce cancer risk.