New funding for Belleville Fire and Emergency Services will reduce crews’ exposure to cancer-causing substances, says Chief Dan Smith.
City council on Monday authorized a transfer payment agreement with Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General for the Fire Protection Grant and to increase the city’s corresponding capital budget item by $41,200. It grants the city’s fire department $486,200 in total to buy equipment to improve firefighter health and safety.
The department plans to buy specialized equipment-washing machines at a total cost of $49,680.
Firefighters are exposed to toxins and cancer-causing substances while performing their duties.
Chief Smith said crews spray their protective clothing, known as bunker gear, upon completing their work at a given scene. The clothing is then washed in an extractor.
“In essence, it’s a great big industrial washing machine,” Smith told council. It uses specialized detergents to remove contaminants, he said.