A new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine has identified clear occupational factors and demographic indicators associated with elevated serum levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances among U.S. career firefighters.

This research from University of Arizona and Arizona State University researchers, based on data from the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study, provides vital insights into the factors that influence PFAS body burdens in this essential workforce.

Understanding the predictors of PFAS accumulation is a critical step toward protecting their long-term health.

The study shows that fireground practices and departmental protocols significantly influenced PFAS levels, with certain routines related to handling contaminated equipment and personal protective gear associated with higher blood serum concentrations.

Demographics and lifestyle characteristics, such as years of service, rank or role within the fire service, and personal behaviors, also predicted PFAS levels.

These findings highlight that both workplace and personal factors contribute to overall chemical exposure.

This evidence suggests that modifications in decontamination procedures, gear storage practices and routine operational policies may reduce exposure to PFAS among firefighters.

The University of Arizona News

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PHOTOS: The Broward Sheriff’s Office rolled out its new Airbus H145 helicopters at the agency’s hangar at the Pompano Beach Air Park.

It was a chance for an up-close look by reporters as Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue (BSFR) begins deployments of the two highly-sophisticated fire and air rescue helicopters for operational missions.

The media preview marks a new chapter for BSFR following the tragic crash in September 2023 in nearby Old Pompano, killing BSFR Captain Terryson Jackson, and a resident on the ground, Lurean Wheaton.

BSO took delivery of the helicopters, which cost roughly $15 million a piece, in December 2024 and May 2025. Since then, BSFR crews have been undergoing specialized training in airborne firefighting and rescue operations.

BSO officials said one of the capabilities of the new helos – unavailable in the agency’s older craft – are their powerful lifting capacity.

TAP into Pompano Beach

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The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) experienced its busiest year in 2025, responding to a record 25,393 calls for service. This marks nearly a 5% increase from 2024, SVFD said in a release.

83% of these calls were related to emergency medical services. Advanced Life Support topped the call types with 11,441 incidents, followed by Basic Life Support with 9,607 calls. Other notable incidents included 1,208 motor vehicle accidents, 1,058 building alarms and 884 fires.

Engine 7 led the department’s apparatus with 3,661 calls, closely followed by Engine 1 and Engine 8 with 3,657 and 3,532 calls respectively. Ladder 10 and Engine 6 also had busy years, with 3,089 and 2,780 calls.

KAYU-TV FOX 28 Spokane

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A Provincetown (MA) Fire Department engine crashed into a utility pole while returning from a medical emergency. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation.

The post Provincetown (MA) FD Apparatus Crashes Into Utility Pole appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Building committee members and firefighters swung sledgehammers in a ceremonial gesture, taking turns striking the interior walls of the structure that has served the department for roughly 60 years.

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