By Rosalind Russell – Following a major fire often means more work for firefighters when it comes to cleaning equipment, including what they wear when carrying out their duties.
Elliot Lake Fire Chief, John Thomas, who is also the city’s Director of Emergency Services, told council cleaning that equipment is of the utmost importance mainly for health reasons.
He says the department has received a grant of $8,230 from the province to purchase equipment to reduce long-term effects of exposures to fire related contaminants and chemicals.
He says in Canada, 50 to 60 firefighters die of cancer every year and half of those are from Ontario.
Thomas says the grant will fund a heavy-duty extractor used to wash and decontaminate bunker gear at a cost of $8,986.42 with the remaining $756.42 coming from the department’s operation equipment account.
He adds the department usually sends heavily soiled gear to a professional cleaner in North Bay, but the purchase of the extractor means firefighters can clean their equipment in house ensuring the crew are wearing safe gear.
Council commended Thomas and thanked him for his report.
Screenshot by Rosalind Russell
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