OKCFD tactic to try and lower cancer exposure during fires

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Oklahoma City Fire Department is implementing another step to help firefighters' health and safety as they are exposed to smoke, debris and cancer-causing chemicals. The unit is called Utility 23 and holds an extra set of gear for firefighters at a scene.

"It consists of three layers of gear that help protect us from the elements that we might encounter while inside," said Jack Alexander, a Corporal at the OKCFD.

While on scene, firefighters can rotate their gear, which gives a quick turnaround to continue serving the community.

"It allows the crews to stay in service, minimizing downtime and having a fresh set of clean gear," said Alexander.

In addition to allowing fire crews to work continuously at a scene, they're also exposed to carcinogenic elements more than the average person, so switching out the gear means they're less exposed for a longer period.

Crews battling a fire Sunday night used Utility 23 while on scene.

"On this particular fire, we had 3 crews on the inside doing search and fire attack, and all of those 3 crews will get their gear traded out - 12 sets," batt. Chief Greg Lindsay, OKCFD.

It's a rotating cycle to get their old gear back.

"Usually we have a four to five day turnaround, so, within less than a week, they'll have their original bunker gear back," said Chief Lindsay.

But it all helps in the long run for their health and safety in the future as they work to protect Oklahomans every day.

"By trading into a clean set of gear, it helps lower the exposure from all the carcinogens and stuff and hopefully longevity-wise wise it decreases the risk of cancer in firefighters," said Alexander.

Oklahoma City Fire said Utility 23 will go to a scene at a request from the incident commander or any confirmed commercial fire or larger.