The Anacortes Fire Department is implementing new procedures and adding new equipment to help reduce firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens.
The state Council of Fire Fighters recently released a best practices program to “encourage safe and healthy practices from the first day as a fire fighter to retirement.”
Brooke Ringe, Anacortes firefighter/paramedic, said there has been a culture shift in the fire service.
“It used to be that dirty gear was a badge of honor,” she said.
But that has changed with cancer becoming common in firefighters due to contact with smoke and chemicals.
“It’s just become more and more common to be talking about this stuff,” she said.
The department is looking at some changes that could make a difference to firefighters’ health.