Firefighters in Comox now have access to a new, state-of-the-art decontamination unit that helps clean firefighting equipment after crews return from calls.
The new device scrubs firefighter’s personal protective equipment – such as breathing apparatuses, helmets, gloves, boots and other small pieces of gear – which helps decontaminate them of potentially hazardous chemicals and cariogenic particles.
The Town of Comox says firefighters are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer compared to the general population, largely because they encounter a range of hazardous chemicals while battling fires.
The new decontamination device will help keep firefighters away from these harmful particles as much as possible.
“Keeping our members safe and healthy is our number one priority,” said Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner in a release Wednesday.
“The investment into this decontamination unit is one more way to support our crew – these newer technologies are needed to keep them protected now and into the future,” he said.
The B.C. government provided $30,000 to buy the device, while the Comox Firefighters Association contributed $20,000.
Adam Chan
