"Firefighters spend large portions of their shift waiting for calls in a station, during which they can be exposed to diesel exhaust from idling trucks (which is a known carcinogen) and off-gassing from contaminated post-fire gear (which may be contaminated with a variety of known and/or possible carcinogens)," researchers point out in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Several studies in recent years have found that firefighters have elevated risks for cancers of the lungs, skin, esophagus, brain, kidney and prostate.

"We know about the chemicals, heat and stress in the field, but what's left out is the chronic low-level exposure at the fire station during day-to-day business," lead study author Dr. Emily Sparer of Harvard's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston told Reuters Health by phone.  

Alston said the fire call was the first opportunity for the department to use the new radios. He thanked Mayor Toni Harp and the Board of Alders for allowing the city to receive federal grant money that paid for a majority of the equipment’s cost.

Harp attended an impromptu press conference outside the structure to highlight the new equipment. The neon-green Motorola-brand radios was modeled by Deputy Fire Marshal James Hynek and was also worn by firefighters at the scene. The fire was ongoing when the press conference started, though it would soon be declared under control by fire personnel.

The 95 new radios cost a little over $500,000, Harp said, with the city paying 10 percent and a federal fire service grant funding the rest. Harp said the new equipment will, “absolutely make it safer for our firefighters, as well as ultimately, save lives and property,” in the city.

There were no reports of injuries. Early 911 calls about 4 a.m. made reference to homeless squatters and people screaming for help, but two searches found no one.

When crews arrived, flames were coming out windows and had burned through the second floor. Crews also were concerned the unreinforced masonry on the side of the building could collapse. The building was listed in 2010 as "unsafe."