Source: YouTube.com/@sffcpf
Featuring: SFFD Battalion Chief Matt Alba
Firefighters put their lives on the line every day—but too often, the danger doesn’t end at the scene. In a new video, Battalion Chief Matt Alba shares how the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation (SFFCPF) is helping reduce cancer risk for members of the San Francisco Fire Department by providing specialized gear bags that separate clean and contaminated equipment.
Why Gear Bags Matter
Fireground contaminants don’t just stay on scene—they cling to turnouts, gloves, hoods, and helmets long after the call is over. Without proper separation, these toxins can end up in cars, locker rooms, and homes, putting firefighters and their families at risk of long-term exposure.
“We’re trying to keep you from contaminating your vehicles, contaminating your stations, and most importantly—contaminating your homes and your families,”
To help address this issue, SFFCPF is funding and distributing clean and contaminated gear bags to SFFD members. This simple system provides an immediate way to reduce cross-contamination and supports the broader mission of cancer prevention in the fire service. You can read more about the gear bag program and its background in this article.
This initiative builds on findings from the Kitsap County Firefighter Cancer Study (PDF), which revealed that children of firefighters faced a cancer diagnosis rate over 27 times higher than the general population—a sobering statistic that underscores the importance of reducing take-home exposure.
Educational Resources for Firefighters
The following materials are available to help SFFD members use the gear bags effectively and implement safer post-incident routines:
📄The SFFD Gear Bag Usage Guide (PDF)
📄The Gear Bag Cancer Prevention Tips (PDF)
Help Us Continue This Work
SFFCPF’s mission is made possible by the generosity of donors, sponsors, and community supporters. Your contributions help us provide life-saving resources like these gear bags, fund early detection screenings, and support firefighter families navigating cancer diagnoses.