HALTON HILLS FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES $51,000 PROVINCIAL GRANT TO STRENGTHEN FIREFIGHTER SAFETY
Funding will support cancer prevention measures and protective gear standards under Ontario’s Fire Safety Grant Program
HALTON HILLS, ON – The Town of Halton Hills has been awarded $51,000 in provincial funding through Ontario’s Fire Safety Grant Program, supporting new initiatives aimed at improving firefighter health, safety and long-term cancer prevention. The funding follows a successful application by the Halton Hills Fire Department and was announced in mid-December.
According to the Town, the grant will be used to advance programs aligned with NFPA 1851, the internationally recognized standard governing the selection, care and maintenance of firefighter protective equipment. The standard is widely adopted across North America to reduce exposure to carcinogens and ensure firefighting gear remains effective, reliable and safe.
Focus on Cancer Prevention and Gear Integrity
The funding will allow the Halton Hills Fire Department to implement two key projects designed to reduce occupational health risks faced by firefighters.
The first initiative involves annual inspection and repair of protective gear. Firefighter bunker gear will be sent to an independent service provider for professional cleaning, inspection and maintenance. This process ensures compliance with NFPA 1851 standards while helping remove cancer-causing contaminants that can accumulate during emergency responses.
The second project introduces a particulate-blocking hood exchange program. Under the new system, firefighters will receive a clean hood for each fire response. Used hoods will be immediately replaced during rehabilitation or air cylinder exchanges, preventing the reuse of contaminated equipment. The hoods will then be professionally laundered and returned to service in accordance with NFPA guidelines.
Both measures are designed to significantly reduce exposure to harmful toxins, particularly in vulnerable areas such as the neck and head, and reflect recommendations outlined in the Firefighter Cancer Prevention Checklist.
Local and Provincial Support
Halton Hills Mayor Ann Lawlor said the funding will help ensure firefighters continue to have reliable protective equipment as they carry out high-risk duties.
MPP Joseph Racinsky, representing Wellington–Halton Hills, also highlighted the importance of provincial support for frontline responders, noting that the grant helps protect those who protect their communities.
Town officials say the projects represent an important step toward strengthening occupational health standards within the fire service while aligning with evolving best practices across the province.
Source: Town of Halton Hills / Province of Ontario – Fire Safety Grant Program
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