It’s time for our annual fundraiser and we need your help! This year we are raising money towards the purchase of a fire gear dryer and an electric positive pressure fan.
A focus in the fire service currently is cancer risk reduction. In 2023 72% of Line of Duty fire deaths were related to cancer according to the International Association of Firefighters. During a fire, firefighters may encounter a variety of carcinogens, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are released when materials burn. These microparticles attach to the fire gear and are potentially absorbed into the blood stream during use, resulting in elevated cancer risk for fire personnel.
One way we work to reduce this risk is by washing our gear after fires and training burns. To accomplish this, we are looking to purchase a gear dryer. This results in a member not having gear during the washing and drying cycle which can take between 24 to 36 hours depending on the ambient temperature. This also means we cannot do multiple sets in the same day in order to keep responders available should the need arise. By limiting the amount of gear we can wash and dry, this results in turnout gear being used back-to-back which increases the cancer risk.
How can you help?
Last year you helped us raise $6k towards the purchase of new thermal imagers which have been used on multiple fires since their purchase.
This year we will be having another raffle, tickets are $10 available online at the link below or through any department member.
Our raffle drawing will be held on Sunday, September 7th at the firehouse after we return from the Marigold Kids Experience.
Sincerely,
Schaeferville Fire Protection District
Chief@schaefervillefire.com
To see our prizes or purchase tickets for our 2025 Raffle Click Here!