The Fort Smith Fire Department is working to keep their men safe, not just while they’re out on the job, but when they’re not battling the flames too.
The department was able to get their hands on more what they call “multi-gas" detectors. They help crews determine when it’s safe to enter into a building following a structure fire.
The detector has four different sensors that draw in samples of air. The device measures carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, the low explosive limit and oxygen. When the alarm goes off on the device, it means the levels are too high and it’s no longer safe for the firefighters to be inside a building. If fire crews breathe in too much of the toxic air, it could lead to health hazards.
The Center for Disease Control conducted a study finding that more than 68 percent of firefighters will develop a type of cancer due to their work environment.