An Underwriters Laboratory study from 2014 highlighted the change in building materials as well as contents of structures that lead to faster combustion at a higher heat with more toxic by-products.

With the recent recognition of rising rates of occupational cancer among Firefighters, these elements have combined together to lead toward protecting Firefighters more and instituting some challenging changes on how Firefighters traditionally operated.

At the very core may be overcoming some of the common fire-ground behaviors that became accepted practice or normative behaviors prior to the rise of occupational health risks among Canadian Firefighters. Among the best examples is that of “salty” gear, meaning that a turnout ensemble and helmet with signs of soot from fighting a fire is considered a sign of tenure or credibility. 

Initial, on-site cleaning (“gross decon”) must occur before stepping outside the Warm Zone, whether it’s during the Incident itself or in the accompanying processes of Overhaul and Investigation.

That line, at the border between the Warm and Cold Zones, is known as the Decontamination Line. It assures that personnel and equipment exposed to the IDLH have been processed through initial, on-site cleaning.

Moving from the Hot Zone, through the Warm Zone and eventually to the Cold Zone, a Decontamination Corridor  may be established, both for consolidation of resources and accountability. This also serves as a good hand-off for victims found within the IDLH that may need medical evaluation or attention.

After extinguishing a fire, there may still be a health risk for emergency personnel: even though there are no more flames to be seen, toxic or carcinogenic substances may still be present in the ambient air or on PPE.

Toxic soot particles settle in the surroundings – and also on the clothing and equipment of the fire fighters. A few rules should be followed when on site and also when cleaning the equipment in the workshop, in order to minimize the danger from contact with these particles. Learn more about the dangers, after the danger.

After a fire is extinguished, it is important to stay away from toxic gases, liquids and particles. In our animation, you see how to avoid hazards that appear when the obvious danger is over.