As wildfires in Southern California finally under control, IAFF members now face a less visible threat: the long-term health risks tied to their exposure on the frontlines.
IAFF Chief Science Advisor Dr. Derek Urwin, a Los Angeles County Local 1014 fire fighter and adjunct professor at UCLA, is leading a critical research initiative to better understand the environmental exposures fire fighters faced during the wildfires and the health impacts.
The California Professional Fire Fighters invited members to participate in Urwin’s research, which is part of the California Firefighter Cancer Research Study. It is supported by University of California grant funds and the IAFF is working on allocating additional resources from the IAFF’s Cancer Research Fund.
“Cancer is the greatest threat fire fighters face,” General President Edward Kelly said. “This fund – created by delegates at our 56th Convention – represents the IAFF’s commitment to protecting fire fighters through cutting-edge, independent research.”
Participants for Urwin’s wildfire study are asked to provide a blood specimen, which will be examined for biomarkers of exposure and effect as part of a longitudinal study.
When it comes to these specific incidents, like the Eaton and the Palisades fires, where it’s in an urban region with homes, vehicles, structures, and their contents burning, it’s very distinct from a wildland fire, or a wildland urban interface fire, and it’s very important for us to understand the effects of these exposures.
IAFF Chief Science Advisor Derek Urwin
“There are three factors we consider when dealing with occupational exposures as fire fighters. First, the environment—what’s in the air, the soot, etc. Second, the actual exposures that occur, what is absorbed into the body. And third, the biological effects of those exposures that may drive adverse health outcomes,” Urwin said.
He also emphasized the importance of utilizing a community-based participatory research approach where findings are reported back to participants and fire fighters engage with researchers to share their insights and concerns.
“This is research by fire fighters for fire fighters,” he said.
San Jose, CA Local 230 is one of the CPF Local’s partnering with the program.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redefine how the fire service approaches cancer research and prevention. The studies and data generated through this initiative will not only shape the health and safety of today’s fire fighters but will also create a legacy of improved outcomes for generations to come,” said Local 230 President Jerry May.
Cancer is a major concern for fire fighters, and Urwin says the recent LA fires, which destroyed many homes in crowded areas, are especially concerning. The wildfires destroyed up to 12,000 homes, businesses, and other structures, devestating entire communities.
“When it comes to these specific incidents, like the Eaton and the Palisades fires, where it’s in an urban region with homes, vehicles, structures, and their contents burning, it’s very distinct from a wildland fire, or a wildland urban interface fire, and it’s very important for us to understand the effects of these exposures,” said Urwin.
He stresses the need for post-exposure monitoring to become routine after major exposure events, ensuring that fire fighters are closely monitored for any long-term effects.
“We need to make post-exposure bio-monitoring routine after these events,” Urwin said. “Right now, we’re using grant funding to make this possible, but it’s critical that we integrate this kind of work into our standard approaches moving forward.”
Urwin says the IAFF’s continued advocacy is crucial in helping fire fighters understand health risks and ensure their protection both during their careers and long after. “The biggest thing is keeping the fire family healthy,” Urwin said. “We all love our jobs. We’re devoted to what we do. But we also have families at home, that we have a duty to come home to.”