It's long been known that firefighters are at heightened risk for injury and illness, particularly cancer. In June 2022 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified firefighting as a known human carcinogen and cited alarming statistics of cancer and other illnesses in firefighters. In some positive news, 2025 is ushering in improved legislation, research, compensation and prevention for firefighters in Ontario.

A National Framework

In 2024, OHCOW participated in an extensive stakeholder consultation and literature review by Health Canada to support the development of the National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting. A key reference was the recently published International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monograph on firefighters and cancer, which synthesized research findings on the elevated cancer risks faced by firefighters. These efforts culminated in the 'What We Heard' Report, which highlighted the elevated cancer risks of firefighters and their challenges with accessing cancer diagnostic testing. This review and consultation process has been key in shaping policy options to address this challenge and improve screening and care for firefighters.

In October 2024, the report National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting was produced by the federal government, in consultation with firefighters, other levels of government, health care professionals and researchers. In a Minister's Message that starts the report, The Honourable Mark Holland, P.C., M.P. comments that "The recent surge in wildfires in Canada has highlighted the importance of firefighters in keeping our communities safe, and the inherent dangers firefighters face in the line of duty. Among these dangers is the risk of developing cancer, resulting from occupational exposures from fires, smoke, and even firefighting equipment and materials...."

The report includes sections on Government of Canada Actions to Support Firefighter Health, Research on Cancers Linked to Firefighting, Training and Education in Health Care Settings, Diagnostic Testing for Firefighters, Information & Knowledge Sharing, and more. It is available both online and in a downloadable PDF format.

30 Million for Cancer Prevention

25 to 30 Firefighters die of cancer every year in the province of Ontario, and prevention efforts are a national concern for this at-risk group.  After the Fire Protection Grant was announced in December, the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs thanked the Ontario government for  this first-time funding of $30 million over three years, intended for fire departments to support cancer prevention initiatives. Read more about this story at the Daily Press.

Better Coverage for Injured Firefighters

Firefighters in Ontario are set to get easier access to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board coverage for certain cancers. In November Premier Doug Ford made the announcement, stating that "firefighters and investigators make major sacrifices to keep communities, property and families safe and the province should always have their backs." Among the changes announced as part of upcoming legislation: firefighters with kidney cancer would receive presumptive coverage if they have worked as a firefighter for 10 years, down from the current 20-year requirement. Presumptive coverage means a worker’s injury or disease is assumed to be work-related, which makes the claims process faster. As well, the province is proposing to remove a requirement that a firefighter’s colorectal cancer diagnosis must be made before the age of 61.

OHCOW's Actions and Resources

OHCOW has reported on the policy changes to the Ontario Regulation 253/07 under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 to add two new cancers that would be covered: primary-site pancreatic cancer and primary-site thyroid cancer. This additional coverage took effect on June 29, 2023, and OPM document  23-02-01, Cancers in Firefighters and Fire Investigators, was amended to reflect the changes. For more information about provincial coverage, please read the WSIB's  FAQs about firefighter presumptive care. A  comprehensive action plan to protect firefighters from harmful chemicals released during household fires has also been published. Provincially, Ontario has a useful Firefighter's Cancer Prevention Checklist

During engagement for the framework, firefighters consistently reported difficulties in accessing appropriate cancer screening and diagnostic services. Clinicians also highlighted a lack of practical, evidence-based guidance on firefighter cancer risks, underscoring the need to translate research into clinical practice. These findings highlight the necessity of translating research into clinical practice to ensure firefighters receive timely and effective care.

OHCOW will be participating in Health Canda’s proposed Best Brains Exchange (BBE) and will play a pivotal role in tackling this issue by bringing together firefighters, senior policymakers, researchers, and healthcare providers. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, the BBE will help bring evidence-based policies into clinical practice, advancing Health Canada's goals of improving health outcomes and promoting evidence-based policymaking to reduce occupational cancer risks among firefighters.

The Plastimet Fire

OHCOW's history of working with firefighters goes back to the Hamilton Plastimet fire in 1997. The City of Hamilton agreed to fund a 25 year program to monitor the health and exposures of the firefighters who responded to the blaze. McMaster University’s Program in Occupational Health and Environmental Medicine, (now Occupational Health Care-A-Van Inc.), in partnership with OHCOW, were awarded a contract to provide services for the Occupational Health & Exposure Program (OHEP) program. OHCOW was responsible for supplying a physician, plus the group analysis of the data collected. This included lab tests, a pre-test questionnaire of possible associated factors, occupational exposure and medical history, lung function and chest X-rays, and medical interview and exam.

More Resources

The Canadian Association of Chiefs web site has more information and links about Firefighting and Cancer.

The International Association of Firefighters also commemorates the month of January and provides information and resources.