Reducing the Risk of Occupational Cancer in Wildland Firefighters

Wildland firefighters are exposed to smoke, chemicals, and other harmful agents that can cause occupational cancer. Because they work long hours in remote areas with limited facilities and reside at a base camp close to the fire, specific precautions must be taken to protect their health.

This resource was developed in partnership with Health Canada to help raise awareness about the risk of occupational cancer for firefighters, in support of actions identified in the National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting.

This guidance reflects current understanding and may change as new information on firefighter health and safety is made available.

Reducing the Risk of Occupational Cancer in Wildland Firefighters

Infographic: Reducing the Risk of Occupational Cancer in Wildland Firefighters

Description: Reducing the Risk of Occupational Cancer in Wildland Firefighters

Understand the hazards

Wildland firefighters are exposed to many known or potential carcinogens during fire response and related activities, including:

  • Hexavalent chromium, which increases the risk of lung, nasal and sinus cancer
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, many of which are carcinogenic
  • Acrolein, which increases the risk of respiratory cancers
  • Acrylonitrile, which increases the risk of lung and bladder cancer
  • Benzene, which is linked to leukemia and other blood cancers
  • Formaldehyde, which increases the risk of leukemia and throat cancer
  • Chemicals in firefighting foams, retardants and fireline workwear
  • Gasoline and aviation fuel and diesel exhaust from vehicles, aircraft and other motorized equipment
  • Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight
  • Night shift work
  • Asbestos, silica, and other building materials that may burn in the vicinity

Apply the controls

Take a layered approach to reduce the risk of exposure.

  • Provide appropriate personal protective equipment, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS)-free options as they become available
  • Minimize downwind positions when firefighting and reposition as required
  • Use the air recirculation mode in vehicles when outside smoke is heavy
  • Minimize mop-up operations, where possible, by using roads or other natural features, such as rock bands, as indirect firelines to reduce time spent near the fire’s edge
  • Avoid entering active burned areas unless operationally necessary
  • Train workers on ways to reduce their exposure risks
  • Make sure decontamination procedures are followed for personal protective equipment and crew vehicles
  • Provide laundry facilities and promote washing
  • Make sure workers have clean clothing to wear after showering
  • Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher

Recording and reporting

  • Understand your jurisdiction’s requirements for reporting occupational injuries and diseases, such as cancer
  • Advise workers to report any health concerns and symptoms to their supervisors
  • Encourage workers to keep a personal exposure journal to record details of exposures after every incident

Document last updated on: 2026-03-17