Bluff Road 2-Alarmer
Columbia-Richmond knock down commercial fire on Bluff Road.
See story on page 6
4 Displaced, 1 Injured in Loris Blaze
Residence and camper destroyed, and six vehicles and a motorcycle are heavily damaged as well
See story on page 8
2 Critical
After I-95 MVA
Two ejected, box truck and woods on fire, I-95 traffic halted for medevac landing.
See story on page 14
See story on pages 17 to 23
2-Vehicle MVA on Hwy. 21
Flint Hill firefighters responded to a T-bone crash between an SUV and a sedan.
See story on page 25
Hurricane Helene Hits
The Burton Fire District responded to over 50 calls related to Helene from trees down to a house fire.
See story on page 27
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Focus of the Month
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Membership invoices were mailed at the beginning of October
It’s that time of the year! South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association membership invoices were mailed at the beginning of October, but that’s not the only administrative task departments must complete in order to remain in Good Standing with the Association.
The due date for your department’s Association membership dues invoice is January 1, 2025. In addition, Voting Members must be selected or confirmed in the Association’s Member Management System (MMS) by January 1, 2025, in accordance with the by-law changes voted and approved by your delegates at the 2020 Fire-Rescue Conference.
Forms 206 and 207 are due midnight on January 31, 2025, on the Association’s MMS. Your department’s Profile & Statistician Report Form 101 should also be completed within the MMS. All forms must be completed no later than midnight January 31, 2025, for your department to remain a member in good standing with the Association. If we do not receive the forms by the deadline, your department will jeopardize their Firemen’s Insurance & Inspection Fund distribution and the loss of Association Member Benefits.
As always, we’re here to help. Give us a call at (803) 454-1800 or email us at info@scfirefighters.org.
Now available: Open enrollment for Fire Service Improvement Conference
Enrollment for Fire Service Improvement Conference (January 2326, 2025) is open for members and non-members of the South Carolina State Firefighters’Association. Member only registration for FSIC opened October 1 and open enrollment to include non-members opened November 1. Members can still register during open enrollment. If you’re eyeing a class on the schedule during FSIC, save your spot now.
Members pay $50 for the entire weekend and can mix any available classes that don’t conflict on time. The registration fee includes lunch and access to the Friday evening training and dinner. The non-member registration fee is $375.
HOTclasses with availability:
Thermal Imaging
Beyond the Basics Drover Operator School Effective Command
Basic Shoring Active Shooter
Winning on the Fireground Agricultural Response
Heavy Lifting
Classroom sessions:
The Real Risk:
Bridging Leadership and Risk Management Perspectives
Building YourTeam to Succeed: APractical Guide to Hiring and Promotional Assessments
The Burton Fire District was recently dispatched to what was initially reported as a brush fire at the end of Still Shadow Lane in Habersham. Once crews arrived, they discovered a commercial excavator fully involved in flames being fed by leaking fuel. It took firefighters 20 minutes and 3000 gallons of water with foam to fully extinguish the fire, as
the leaking fuel would continually flare up until firefighters were able to cool the equipment sufficiently enough to prevent reignition. Firefighters were unable to shut the fuel off due to the fire and damage to the engine. No injuries were reported, and the excavator was heavily damaged in the fire. - Submitted by Burton Fire District
Columbia-Richmond third-shift crews brought a twoalarm fire undercontrol afterit ripped through a commercial property on Bluff Road on October24, 2024. Firefighters were toned out to the property on the 4500 block of Bluff Road shortly before 1930. Fire had moved through the interiorand began showing through the roof, prompting the call forthe second alarm. The building was a vacant old convenience store. No injuries were reported. The Richland County Fire Marshal's Office was investigating the cause. - Courtesy of Columbia-Richland FD
On October2, 2024, Duncan Fire Department units responded to two separate working business fires within a span of three hours. Pictured here is the second fire, which occurred at SEWEurodrive. We would like to thank all of ourautomatic aid partners fortheirassistance. - Submitted by Joshua Hannigan
Just past 0230 on September20, 2024, emergency crews responded to a reported house fire in the 200 block of Bruce K Smalls in Grays Hill. Firefighters arrived on scene to find a double wide mobile home fully engulfed in flames. It took firefighters several minutes to bring the fire undercontrol, and due to the collapse of the structure, overtwo hours to fully extinguish the smoldering embers. The home was being remodeled and no one was in the home at the time. The early morning heat, combined with the intense heat from the fire, posed a challenge to firefighters as they battled the flames requiring several rotations of crews. The Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire and Emergency Services, Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department, Beaufort County EMS and Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the scene. The fire was underinvestigation.
-Submitted by Burton Fire District
Myrtle Beach Fire Department crews were working at a residential structure fire at the Cobblestone Apartments off of 48th Avenue North. There were no reported injuries.
- Courtesy of Myrtle Beach FD
At 1520. on October24, 2024, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire on Sky Bow Branch in Loris. Asecond alarm was sent out to bring in additional resources. Aresidence, gazebo and camperwere destroyed by the fire. Six passengervehicles and a motorcycle also sustained heavy fire damage. One person was transported to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. Fourdisplaced residents were offered assistance by the American Red Cross of South Carolina. Horry County Police Department, TaborCity Fire Department, Nakina Fire and Rescue, Buckhead Fire Station, Williams Township VolunteerFire Department and Loris Fire Department assisted.
- Courtesy of Horry County FR
Colton County Fire Rescue responded a fire at a business on ClearwaterDrive on October24, 2024, at 0825. Fire-Rescue units were dispatched to American Bio Mass, a non-hazardous waste disposal company, fora report of a trackhoe on fire, possibly involving a shed. Battalion 1 arrived to heavy black smoke coming from the main building, a single-story block building where the waste products are processed. Asecond alarm was requested. Engine 1 arrived and deployed multiple small and large handlines. Engine 27 was set up on the east side of the building and a tendershuttle was established. Firefighters entered the building and contained the fire on the east side of the structure, saving the building. Crews worked forapproximately 30 minutes to knock down the fire in a mixing pit outside the building and around the exteriorof the building in piles of sawdust. Quick thinking workers had moved the burning trackhoe away from the building shortly afterthe incident occurred. However, a frontend loaderand several forklifts were destroyed. Firefighter-Paramedics were on the scene forfive hours performing overhaul. It appeared the fire started on the trackhoe, possibly from a ruptured hydraulic line and spread to the mixing pit. The company staff were very helpful. DES also responded to the scene. No injuries were reported during the incident.
- Courtesy of Colleton County Fire-Rescue
Recently, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported camperfire on the 10000 block of Kings Road. Apot of food was found to be smoldering on an unattended stove, causing smoke to fill the camper. Adog was rescued from the camperby Firefighter/EMTBrunet (pictured). The dog is expected to be okay. - Courtesy of Horry County FR
Recently, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the 2000 block of Lake Vista Drive in Little Riverfora reported residential structure fire. Asecond alarm was sent to bring in additional resources. Atwo-story residence sustained heavy fire damage, with flames and black smoke through the roof reported on initial firefighterarrival. Three displaced residents were offered assistance from American Red Cross of South Carolina. North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue, Calabash Fire Department, Sunset Beach Fire Department (NC) and Horry County Police Department assisted. Myrtle Beach Fire Department provided coverage. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. - Courtesy of Horry County FR
Adebris pile fire got out of control and destroyed a 12 x 12 storage building as well as a portion of woods nearthe property, on October23, 2024. Fire-Rescue was dispatched to the location forthe report of a structure on fire. Engine 26 arrived to find a small storage building completely on the ground and the woods surrounding the building on fire. They cancelled otherresponding units. Firefighters deployed one handline to extinguish the fire. The storage building was empty and crews prevented the fire from reaching a nearby home. Units were on the scene fortwo hours. The Forestry Commission also responded.
- Courtesy of Colleton County Fire Rescue
The Burton Fire District, Parris Island Fire and Emergency Services, and Beaufort County EMS and Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported house fire on WinsorRoad in the Shell Point area of Beaufort County. Burton Fire crews were first to arrive and reported a mobile home fully involved in flames. Through bursts of wind and rain, firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire while while keeping an eye out forfalling trees and branches. The fire was underinvestigation. Throughout the fire, Burton also continued to respond to otherstorm-related emergencies.
- Submitted by Burton FD
Asingle-vehicle accident sent two men to a trauma centeron October14, 2024. The incident occurred on Interstate 95 nearthe 52 milemarkersouthbound, when a single-unit moving van suddenly left the roadway and struck several trees on the right shoulder. The box-style truck received heavy damage in the collision, with the front of the box being ripped open ejecting the full load of furniture and household goods. The truck rolled onto its side and caught fire. Firefighter-Paramedics arrived minutes laterto find the cab of the truck fully involved. Part of the load and the surrounding woods were also on fire. Engine 1 requested one additional station, a second fire-rescue ambulance and a medical helicopter. The two occupants of the truck received critical, life-threatening injuries. Witnesses to the accident advised the men were ejected from the truck during the collision. Crews began treating the injured and deployed multiple handlines and a deck gun to bring the fire undercontrol. Southbound traffic on I-95 was stopped to establish an LZ fora CARE Flight which landed on I-95 just south of the accident. The more seriously injured man was flown to the trauma centerat Trident Medical Centerin North Charleston. The second man was also transported emergent in Fire-Rescue Medic 26 to the trauma centerat Trident. The Sheriff’s office rerouted traffic foran hourand Walterboro Police closed the southbound entrance ramp at Sniders Highway. The South Carolina Highway Patrol was investigating the crash.
- Courtesy of Colleton County FR
At 1549 on October22, 2024, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire at RiverOaks Drive and World TourBoulevard. One vehicle was on fire with extension to nearby trees. All active fire was extinguished by 1635.
- Courtesy of Horry County FR
Just before 0900 on October4, 2024, the Burton Fire District and Beaufort County EMS responded to a vehicle collision on Joe FrazierRoad resulting in an occupant being trapped and seriously injured. Initial reports indicated that a person was possibly trapped, and that the vehicle was on fire; a concrete truck, which had stopped to assist, was using waterto extinguish the fire. Emergency responders arrived to a pickup and a passengervehicle, with heavy front-end damages, and a 14year-old trapped and injured in the passengervehicle. The fire was extinguished priorto firefighters’arrival. The trapped teen was treated and transported, to the hospital by Beaufort County EMS with serious injuries.
- Submitted by Burton FD
Recently, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the 6000 block of Cypress Swamp Road in Conway fora reported residential structure fire. The residence sustained heavy fire damage and a nearby vehicle also sustained damage. One person suffered minorinjuries and was treated on scene. Any displaced residents were offered assistance by the American Red Cross of South Carolina. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.
- Courtesy of Horry County FR
An adult male was severely injured in a two-vehicle MVAon the 13000 block of Charleston Highway (SC Hwy 64) just west of Jacksboro Road. The accident occurred on the morning of October3, 2024, at 1100. Two westbound passenger cars collided, sending one vehicle into a ditch where it struck a driveway culvert, became airborne and struck several trees, then overturned trapping the injured driver. No one was injured in the othervehicle. Firefighter-Paramedics used Holmatro hydraulic and Pentheon rescue tools to remove the driver’s side of the carand extricate the man. He was quickly treated at the scene, then transported emergent to the Trauma Centerat MUSC in Fire-Rescue Medic 6. The SC Highway Patrol was investigating the crash.
- Courtesy of Colleton County Fire Rescue
As we recognize National Firefighter Cancer Prevention Month this January, it is essential to focus on the significant risks firefighters face daily. Occupational cancer is a growing concern in the fire service, with vehicle exhaust fumes being a leading contributor. Prolonged exposure to these harmful toxins can significantly increase the likelihood of developing cancer.
At Air Cleaning Specialists, Inc., we have proudly served fire stations across North and South Carolina for over 40 years, providing topof-the-line vehicle exhaust removal and toxic gas monitoring systems. These systems are crucial in reducing firefighters’exposure to carcinogenic diesel fumes, helping protect their health and safety.
As we honor those who protect our communities, it’s vital to invest in technology that safeguards their well-being. Join us in supporting National Firefighter Cancer Prevention Month and ensuring our brave firefighters can return home healthy after every call.
Aircleaningspecialistsinc.com | 919-255-9344.
The content on the website is designed to engage our nation’s firefighters and their fire departments in a mass effort to prevent and reduce their risk of occupational cancer. Our curriculum contains information and tools that educate firefighters and raise awareness about why cancer cases are on the rise in the fire service and how to limit their day-to-day exposures to carcinogens.
To access Training Modules go to: www.firefightercancersupport.org
Education Presentations:
There are Five Education Presentation Training Modules in this program; one for each topic to use for a safety stand down. The education presentations will assist in identifying the cancer problem and the steps to take to reduce exposures. The Training Modules are a good discussion tool for firefighters to help educate themselves on reducing the risk of occupational cancer. The five training modules are:
Fire Station Best Practices
Fireground Best Practices
Modifiable Risk Factors
FCSN Survivorship
Occupational CancerProblem in the Fire Service
When using these modules, it is recommended to do so in presenter mode in PowerPoint to capture the instructor notes for the slides.
For more information: www.firefightercancersupport.org.
Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells.
Radiation: The use of high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells.
Surgery: Remove the cancer cells completely or as much as possible.
Bone marrow transplant: The soft, spongy tissue found in the center of large bones where blood cells are formed. Abone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant, can use your own bone marrow stem cells or those from a donor. It may also be used to replace diseased bone marrow.
Oncologist: Adoctor who specializes in treating people with cancer.
Pathologist: Adoctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease.
Cancer is the general term for a group of more than 100 different diseases that can begin almost anywhere in the body; it starts when cells lose the ability to regulate their growth and grow out of control. These cancer cells can invade and spread to other tissues within the body. This makes it hard for your body to work the way it should.
Additional examples of collective cancer incidence rates in firefighters you may see in your fire station include:
Mesothelioma - 2.29
Testis - 2.02
Esophagus - 1.62
Multiple Myeloma - 1.53
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - 1.51
Lung - 1.39
Buccal and Pharynx - 1.39
Brain - 1.32
Rectal - 1.36
Skin Melanoma - 1.34
Prostate - 1.28
Kidney - 1.27
Breast - 1.26
Malignant Melanoma - 1.21
Intestine - 1.21
The findings are also responsible for the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassifying the occupational exposure as a fire fighter from Group 2 - Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans to Group 1Known Carcinogenic to humans.
Based on strong science linking carcino-
gens on the fire ground leading to increased rates of cancer in fire fighters, researchers determined that "there is a critical and immediate need for additional protective equipment to help fire fighters avoid inhalation and skin exposures to known and suspected occupational carcinogens. In addition, firefighters should meticulously wash their entire body to remove soot and other residues from fires to avoid skin exposure."
Screening test: Checking your body for cancer before you have symptoms.
Diagnostic test: Atype of test used to help diagnose a disease or condition. Some exam-
Cancer is the general term for a group of more than 100 different diseases that can begin almost anywhere in the body; it starts when cells lose the ability to regulate their growth and grow out of control. These cancer cells can invade and spread to other tissues within the body. This makes it hard for your body to work the way it should.
ples would be mammograms and colonoscopies.
Biopsy: The removal and examination, usually microscopic, of tissue from the living body, often to determine whether a tumor is malignant or benign.
Imaging test: Aprocedure that creates pictures of internal body parts, tissues or organs to make a diagnosis, plan treatment, check whether treatment is working or observe a disease over time.
Tumor: Amass (lump in the body) formed when normal cells begin to change and grow uncontrollably. Atumor can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body).
Benign: Refers to a tumor that is not cancerous. The tumor does not usually invade
nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant: Refers to a tumor that is cancerous. It may invade nearby healthy tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
Precancerous: Refers to cells that have the potential to become cancerous. Also called pre-malignant.
Prognosis: Chance of recovery; a prediction of the outcome of a disease.
Stage: Away of describing cancer, such as where it is located, whether or where it has spread,
Stage 0: Cancer in early form.
Stage I: Cancers are localized to one part of the body. Stage I cancer can be surgically removed if small enough.
Stage II: Cancers are early locally advanced. Stage II cancer can be treated by chemo, radiation or surgery.
Stage III: Cancers are late locally advanced. The specific criteria for Stages II and III differ according to diagnosis. Stage III can also be treated by chemo, radiation or surgery.
Stage IV: Cancers have often metastasized or spread to other organs or throughout the body. Stage IVcancer can be treated by chemo, radiation or surgery.
In situ: In place. Refers to cancer that has not spread to nearby tissue (also called noninvasive cancer.
Metastasis: The spread of cancer from the place where the cancer began to another part of the body; cancer cells can break away from the primary tumor and travel through the blood or the lymphatic system to the lymph nodes, brain, lungs, bones, liver or other organs.
Sarcoma: Acancer that develops in the tissues that support and connect the body, such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle and blood vessels.
Carcinoma: Cancer that starts in skin or tissues that line the inside or cover the outside of internal organs.
Invasive cancer: Cancer that has spread outside the layer of tissue in which it started and has the potential to grow into other tissues or parts of the body (also called infiltrating cancer).
Localized cancer: Cancer that is confined to the area where it started and has not spread to other parts of the body. Another term that is used to describe localized cancer is “in situ.” For more information, check the IAFF/FCSN website. – IAFF& FCSN
The risk factors most linked to increased cancer rates include numerous modifiable factors. Knowing and making small changes can reduce cancer risks significantly. For example, quitting tobacco before the age of 40 reduces the risk of dying from smoking-related diseases by 90 percent.
It is well studied that consuming alcohol can increase the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx, liver, and breast. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies alcohol as a group 1 carcinogen. The risk is increased by the amount you consume.
Data collected over the last decade demonstrate that the fire service has a high rate of heavy and binge drinking. The amount of alcohol consumed over time is the most important factor in raising cancer risk. Alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, which most researchers say is the leading cause for the increase in risk.?
What Can You Do?
Drink in moderation: According to the American Cancer Society Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention, it is best not to drink alcohol. People who choose to drink alcohol should limit their intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink a day for women.
Firefighters have lower rates of cigarette smoking than the general population; however, cigars and smokeless tobacco are used at a higher rate. Tobacco use can cause several cancers, including cancer of the lung, larynx, mouth, esophagus, throat, bladder, kidney, liver,
stomach, pancreas, colon and rectum, cervix, and acute myeloid leukemia. Smokeless tobacco is linked to increased risks of mouth, esophagus, and pancreas.
What Can You Do?
Quit using tobacco products. There is no safe level of tobacco use. Quitting smoking today will immediately reduce the risk for cancers associated with tobacco use and have substantial gains in life expectancy compared with those who continue to smoke. Also, quitting smoking at the time of a cancer diagnosis reduces the risk of death.
Sun exposure is a risk that we have control over reducing. The sun, sunlamps, and tanning booths are all sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that damages the skin. Excessive UVexposure is directly linked to skin cancer. The risk for melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is increased with exposure to UVradiation from all sources.
What Can You Do?
Limit the amount of time spent in the sun and protect your skin by using sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF). Reduce your time in the sun, especially between mid-morning and late afternoon, and avoid other sources of UVradiation, such as tanning beds. Keep in mind that UVradiation is reflected by sand, water, snow and ice and can go through windshields and windows. - FCSN
Firefighters are occupationally exposed to combustion products of modern residential, commercial, vehicle, wildland, and other fires that contain many hazardous substances. These include carcinogens (i.e., cancer-causing chemicals) present during fire responses and at the fire station.
Years of research have clearly documented firefighters exposure to carcinogens in all phases of fire response, including overhaul. Recent studies have also addressed combustion of all the new synthetic products present in homes, cars, and factories. Acarcinogen exposure to products of combustion does not require visible smoke.
Chronic exposure to heat, smoke, and toxicants puts firefighters at higher risk for developing cancer when compared to nonfirefighters. Inhalation, ingestion, and absorption of toxic substances causes cell damage that may lead to cancer.
When responding to a fire, there are many opportunities for exposure to carcinogens. A wide range of chemicals have been detected in smoke and soot during fire suppression and overhaul. These contaminants cover per-
sonal protective equipment (PPE) and the equipment used for fire activities and they remain there until washed off. These lingering contaminants can lead to additional exposures if firefighters remove their self-containing breathing apparatus (SCBA) at any time while on the fire ground and - if they do not perform preliminary exposure reduction (on-scene and post-fire gross decontamination) - these contaminants can spread to the apparatus cab and/or back to the fire station.
“Chronic exposure to heat, smoke, and toxicants puts fire fighters at higher risk for developing cancer when compared to non-fire fighters. Inhalation, ingestion, and absorption of toxic substances causes cell damage that may lead to cancer.”
Many of the contaminants that firefighters encounter during fire responses can be tracked back to the fire stations where they live throughout their shifts when not responding to a call. In a study of dust samples in 26 fire stations in five states, Shen and
colleagues documented phosphorous-containing and polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardant levels that were higher than those previously reported in homes and other occupational settings around the world. The study was replicated in Canada where it demonstrated the same findings. Daily exposure to diesel exhaust in the firehouse can also contribute to the development of cancer. Analysis of the kitchen and bunkroom walls and furniture in firehouses reveals a tremendous amount of diesel exhaust particles. These dangerous particles are inhaled and absorbed every shift and cause significant harm to fire fighters. Diesel exhaust was classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). - FCSN
Research spanning decades, continents, and more than 80,000 firefighters validates the connection between firefighting and occupational cancer. Here are some key studies.
The 2017 Blais University of Ottawa study examined chemical exposure occurring during emergency, on-shift fire suppression. The researchers found firefighters absorb harmful chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), through their skin. Firefighters had from three to more than five times the amount of by-products of PAHs in their urine after a fire compared to before the fire.
The 2013 Daniels NIOSH study (phase 1) is the largest study of U.S. firefighters to date. It examined mortality patterns and cancer incidence for 30,000 firefighters. The NIOSH study, which began in 2010, found statistically significant mortality and incidence rates of all cancers and cancers of the esophagus, intestine, lung, kidney, and oral cavity, as well as increased mesothelioma for firefighters compared with the general population. The NIOSH study found excess risk of bladder and prostate cancers at younger ages. The NIOSH study also is significant because it spanned geo-
graphical distance (San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia) and decades (1950-2009). It is one of the few studies to date that has included women and non-white firefighters.
The 2015 Daniels NIOSH study (phase 2) examined firefighters’work histories and variables such as fire runs, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and use of diesel exhaust control systems. It compared the cancer risk for firefighters with higher exposures to carcinogens with those who had lower exposures. In this phase, researchers found that lung cancer and leukemia risk increased with exposure.
The 2014 Pukkala Nordic study of 16,422 firefighters from five Nordic countries found an increased risk for all cancers combined among firefighters, similar to the NIOSH phase 1 study. It found significant increases in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer; lung cancer; and prostate cancer from 1961 to 2005.
The 2008 Kang Massachusetts study compared cancer incidence among Massachusetts firefighters with that of Massachusetts police officers and other occupations. When compared with police officers, firefighters were
found to have increased cancer risks. This study found the firefighters had a 90 percent higher risk for brain cancer and an 81 percent higher risk for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Researchers examined data from 1987-2003.
The 2006 LeMasters meta-analysis reviewed data from 32 studies of firefighters for 20 different types of cancer. Risks for 10 types of cancer were “significantly increased” in firefighters. Risks for the other 10 types were increased, though not to the same extent.
The 2006 Fangchao Ma Florida study compared Florida firefighters’cancer incidence rates (rather than mortality) with those of the general Florida population. It was the first such study to include women. Florida researchers examined data for 34,796 male and 2,017 female firefighters and found 1,032 total cases of cancer (970 male & 52 female). The top cancers for male firefighters were prostate (13.7 percent), skin (8.4 percent), colon (7.1 percent), bladder (6.9 percent), and testicular (5.5 percent). The most prominent cancers for female firefighters in Florida were breast (27.8 percent) skin (7.6 percent), thyroid (5.6 percent) and lung (4.6 percent).
- IAFFand FCSN
Any FirefighterCan Join the NFR
The NFR (National Firefighters Registry for cancer) is open to all U.S. firefighters, not just those with a previous diagnosis of cancer. Having many types of firefighters join the NFR is crucial to examining relationships between firefighter activities and cancer. NIOSH encourages all firefighters to participate in the NFR, including: Active, former, and retired firefighters; Career, paid-on-call, and volunteer firefighters; Structural firefighters; Wildland firefighters; Industrial firefighters; Military firefighters; Instructors; Fire investigators; and Other fire service members
Registration is Open
Firefighters can join the NFR through the secure web portal. Participation is voluntary. Registration will take about 30 minutes. The NFR is a long-term project that will include voluntary, but important, follow-up questionnaires. Continued participation in the NFR is key to protecting firefighter health. The more researchers know about cancer in the fire service, the more we can do to prevent it.
How it Works
Learn how the NFR will help researchers investigate the link between firefighting and cancer; https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/registry.html.
Personal Information Will Be Kept Confidential
Privacy and data security are top priorities for the NFR. Identifying information (like name and date of birth) are protected by an Assurance of Confidentiality. Data are protected by numerous safeguards that meet strict Federal guidelines. For more information, watch our video.
– IAFF& FCSN
More than 15 years ago, John Powderly, MD, opened Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI) in Huntersville, NC, with a passion to serve the local cancer community. CBOI is an independent communitybased cancer research clinic that serves the Southeast region as a referral hub for metastatic cancer patients' access to Phase 1 clinical research trials. CBOI’s complete focus on Phase 1 clinical trials offers cancer patients a last hope, or a swing at the bat so to speak,-with a chance at hitting a home run. The majority of patients who come to CBOI are late-
stage and/or have metastatic disease and have already tried all standardof-care options.
Recently, three patients of Dr. Powderly’s celebrated survival and complete remission lasting more than 10 years. Pictured above from from left to right are Douglas Hurley (Chapel Hill, NC), Penny Singleton (Matthews, NC) and Stephanie McConnell (Mt Ulla, NC). These three cancer patients, with three different cancers (melanoma,
lung adenocarcinoma, triple negative breast cancer) were among the first patients to go on three different Phase 1 clinical trials in 2012-2014 using first generation immune checkpoint drugs
“It’s your body, so you need to understand what’s happening to you and what you’re fighting against. Advocate for yourself. I can’t say it enough: I would flat-out not be here if I had not been this aggressive.” voices Ms. Stephanie McConnel. “I used to say that I’d never do a clinical trial, that I’m nobody’s guinea pig,” Stephanie said. “But when a doctor tells you to go home and die? I have a child. That was not going to be his story.” Recently, she and her son cruised the Mediterranean. “We’re doing all the things I talked about when I said, ‘If I live, this is the life we're going to have,’” Stephanie says.
The three survivors failed prior standard of care and were faced with options of going into hospice or trying to get accepted into a Phase 1 clinical research trial. They chose the trial and benefited remarkably, starting with an initial positive radiographic response and then progressing into a complete remission that has remained durable over the past decade, without any remaining detectable cancer.
Immune checkpoint drugs have revolutionized the treatment of cancer since they were first approved for melanoma in 2011. Over a dozen immune checkpoint drugs (targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, PDL-1, LAG-3) have been FDAapproved over the past decade. Dr. Powderly has performed the early phase clinical trials for most of these drugs. Currently, CBOI has more than 30 early phase clinical trials focused on immunotherapy that are available to metastatic cancer patients.
CBOI has performed 170 early phase clinical research trials since 2005, which has contributed to the FDA's commercial approval of 12 immunotherapy drugs. CBOI's leadership team is recognized globally for excellence in clinical research operations and has contributed to 240 publications of clinical trials that are referenced in the scientific literature by 35,000 citations. For more information call 704-947-6599 or visit www.carolinabiooncology.org.
Afire heavily damaged a home in the 700 block of Mol Senia Lane in the Round O Community on October30, 2024, at 2201. While crews responded to a nearby business fire, a family discovered flames in the roof above a utility room. Two adults and three children safely evacuated. Engine 9 arrived to find the double-wide mobile home with flames through the roof, and spreading through the attic. Firefighters deployed handlines, entered through the front door, and pulled all of the ceilings in the north end to extinguish the fire. They managed to contain the blaze to the attic, but extensive smoke and waterdamage rendered the home unlivable. The presence of a metal roof overa shingle roof complicated firefighting effort, requiring removal of parts of the metal roof. Firefighters worked forfourhours to extinguish the fire, which is believed to have started from an electrical issue nearthe breaker box in the utility room. - Courtesy of Colleton County FR
On September20, 2024, at 2213, Flint Hill Fire Department Engine 1, along with Piedmont Medical CenterEMS, responded to a two-vehicle MVAon Highway 21 at Flint Hill Road. Upon arrival, firefighters found a midsize carand an SUVwith major damage. The SUVreportedly overturned before coming to rest on all fourwheels aftera T-bone crash into the sedan. Flint Hill firefighters assisted EMS with triage of two patients who were outside the vehicles. Piedmont Medical CenterEMS transported two patients to Piedmont Medical Center-Fort Mill. The crash was underinvestigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
On October 12, 2024, at 1111, two people were injured in a three-vehicle high-speed MVAon I-95 near the 68 milemarker southbound. The accident occurred on the Edisto River bridge and blocked all southbound traffic. Asemi collided with a utility truck which caused the semi to jackknife on the bridge. It then struck a pickup causing heavy damage and pinning the small pickup against the side of the bridge.
Both occupants of the pickup were trapped in the wreckage. They suffered non-lifethreatening, multiple traumatic injuries. A small dog was also in the truck, but did not
appear to be injured.
Colleton County Fire-Rescue units responded the wrong way on the Interstate, traveling north in the southbound lanes for approximately 3/4 of a mile to reach the scene. There was no northbound traffic due to the accident blocking all southbound lanes. AFirefighterParamedic (Battalion Chief) from LaSalle County (TX) Fire-Rescue and a trauma surgeon from Spartanburg were already rendering aid to the injured people. The Texas firefighter was part of a team returning from assisting Hurricane victims due to Helene.
Colleton crews used Holmatro Pentheon
On October 25, 2024, Burton firefighters responded to a vehicle fire at the Shell Food Mart on Trask Parkway at the intersection of Clarendon Roadd. Fire crews from the nearby Grays Hill fire station on Bruce K Smalls arrived in minutes and reported smoke and flames coming from a vehicle only feet from the nearby gas pumps. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire without further damages to the pumps or other vehicles. - Submitted by Burton Fire District
Rescue Tools to remove the driver’s door and extricate the adult female driver. They then used hydraulic cutters and spreaders to remove the passenger side doors and B post to extricate the adult male passenger.
Both patients and the dog were transported to Colleton Medical Center in Fire-Rescue Medic 26. Dorchester County Fire-Rescue and EMS also responded to the scene. Southbound traffic was blocked for several hours backing up past St. George. The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the State Transport Police are investigating the crash.
- Courtesy of Colleton County FR
On September 27, 2024, Burton
Moriarty and Marek Malinowki graduated from the eight-week basic firefighting course at the South Carolina Fire Academy in Columbia. Due to hurricane Helene, their family graduation had to be cancelled, so another was held on October 1 at the Burton Fire District.
Both firefighters graduated as nationally certified firefighters and received both classroom and hands-on instruction in vehicle rescues, hazardous materials, flammable gas and liquid firefighting, community risk reduction, and other subjects.
Though they will report for duty this week at the Burton Fire District, both will still continue to receive training on how to apply what they have learned at the fire academy to the local community, along with emergency medical training to receive their National Emergency Medical Technician certification.
“Last year we responded to over 3000 emergencies, so they will be applying what they have learned very soon and very often,” stated Burton Fire District Fire Chief Harry Rountree. “I look forward to watching these young men grow and progress in this profession, and really start to make a difference in our community and in the lives of others”
- Submitted by Burton Fire District
The Burton Fire District responded to well over50 emergency calls related to Hurricane Helene. Several of the emergency calls were forwires and trees down, as well electrical fires involving exploding transformers. However, Burton firefighters also responded to a house fire on WinsorRoad in Shell Point just before 0130, along with six emergency calls for trees falling on homes with trapped occupants. Atrapped occupant was also rescued from hervehicle aftershe struck a tree that had come down across the road in the area of Trask Parkway and Seabrook CenterRoad in Seabrook. No serious injuries were reported in any of these incidents.
- Submitted by Burton Fire District
Awoman was rescued from inside hervehicle that had been trapped by flood waters from Helene on Woods Chapel Road.
- Submitted by Joshua Hannigan
- Submitted by Joshua
ABethel Fire Department firefighteron the scene of a recent LZ setup at Oakridge Middle School. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Simpsonville Fire Department is once again the top sponsorof the South Carolina Firefighters Burned Children’s Fund, raising over $19000 this year. This year’s camp shirts included the Simpsonville Fire Department patch as recognition forall the hard work and
dedication the department and the Simpsonville community have put into supporting this organization.
- Submitted by Lieutenant Patrikis, Simpsonville FD
Eric Valliere, the current Chair of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA), has been reappointed to a new three-year term beginning in January 2025. Valliere expressed his enthusiasm for maintaining his leadership role and looks forward to advancing FDSOAinitiatives with the support of the dedicated Board of Directors team and new management team. His reappointment reflects FDSOA’s confidence in his vision and commitment to strengthening safety standards within the fire service industry. Join us at the 2025 FDSOA Health Safety & Apparatus Conference this January 2025 in St Pete Beach FL(Go to FDSOA.org for more information)
