Milestone in YFD Cancer Fighting Precautions
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - On September 26, 2022, a milestone has been reached in the Yuma Fire Department (YFD)'s fight against cancer.
Specifically, Fire Station #2, located at 3284 South Avenue A, saw the installation of specially designed "turnout lockers" in an area separate from other areas of the station.
Furthermore, these lockers allow for gear to be isolated from possible contaminants in the truck bays.
In addition, they can also provide space to store a firefighter's second set of turnout, protective jacket and pants, gear.
Cleaning and storing the gear
Correspondingly, all the gear is washed immediately after exposure to fire's cancer causing byproducts of combustion.
Next, the second set of the gear allows the firefighter to be ready for additional fire responses while the first set is being laundered.
Finally, Station #2's lockers are the last to be installed of our six neighborhood fire stations.
The process of reducing cancer risks has taken approximately five years and has involved upgrades at all stations.
The upgrades:
- Turnout lockers
- Specialized heavy duty washers
- Extractors
Upgrades
The YFD accomplished the upgrades through a combination of grants, department annual budget items, and planned station remodeling.
Not only that, all future stations will be built to include these features.
Additionally, annual physicals to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582 standards have also been instituted.
This is for when the YFD catches early stage cancers when they can be most effectively treated.
An ongoing the continuous effort
Lastly, the dedication to reducing work related health problems, injuries, and deaths will always be an ongoing and continuous effort.
For that reason, Fire Chief Dusty Field added, “We appreciate the Yuma City Council and City Administration for supporting our efforts in providing the best equipment and proper health screenings for our personnel."
