A group of firefighters standing in front of a firetruck, each holding new yellow turnout jackets labeled 'Vancouver Fire.' Black gear bags are placed on the ground in front of them.

Firefighters receive first sets of PFAS-free turnout gear

October 23 2024 –

As part of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services and the City of Vancouver’s commitment to reducing cancer risk to our firefighters, an April 12 announcement confirmed the transition of all current gear to PFAS-free turnout gear. This week, 137 sets of the new PFAS-free turnout gear will arrive at firehalls citywide, with 443 delivered by the end of the year.

This important initiative is another step to reduce known cancer exposures for firefighters and reduce the number one cause of firefighter deaths in Canada. The implementation of this new turnout gear is made possible by the hard work of numerous partners and support from the City of Vancouver.

“This is one important step of many that Vancouver Fire Rescue Services has taken to reduce the impact and risks to firefighters’ health. I am super proud that we continue to lead cancer prevention initiatives in the fire service and are also providing our staff with the best protective gear in VFRS history,” said Fire Chief Karen Fry.

Quick Facts

  • In 2023, 72% of firefighter deaths in the International Association of Fire Fighters were due to occupational cancer, and in Canada, this figure was nearly 94%.
  • Twenty per cent of all VFRS WorkSafeBC claims are for presumptive cancers – meaning cancers presumed to have been caused by firefighting service – with 34 members having died from work-related cancer in the last 7 years.
  • There have been 39 approved cancer claims in the past 7 years from VFRS members.