Saanich Fire Fighters' Association

04/13/2026

This week, we proudly recognize and celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week—a time dedicated to the incredible professionals behind the scenes who are truly the first, first responders.

Our Saanich Local 967 dispatchers don’t only serve Saanich, but 17 other municipalities and their Fire Departments as well. They are the calm in the chaos, the steady voice in moments of uncertainty, and the critical link between the public and emergency services. Every call they answer carries urgency, emotion, and often life-changing circumstances. With skill, compassion, and resilience, they gather vital information, provide reassurance, and ensure that help is on the way—often all at once.

This work demands not only technical expertise and quick thinking, but also compassion, resilience, and emotional strength. Dispatchers are there for people on some of the most difficult days of their lives, often carrying those moments with them long after their shift ends.

Though they may not always be seen, their impact is felt across every response and throughout the entire community.

To our Local 967 dispatchers, as well as the dispatchers at our partner services with BCEHS and EComm: thank you for your professionalism, your dedication, and your commitment to keeping both the public and our crews safe. Your work matters, and it does not go unnoticed.

03/08/2026

On International Women’s Day, we proudly recognize the women of our department — Firefighters, Dispatchers, and members of our Emergency Program — whose skill, dedication, and leadership strengthen our union and our community every day.

IAFF Local 967 stands in solidarity with our sisters in the fire service and remains committed to equity, respect, and opportunity for all.

03/04/2026

We’re proud to share that yesterday, the Government of British Columbia, in partnership with the BCPFFA, announced that eight additional cancers have been officially recognized as presumptive — a significant step forward for firefighter health and safety. This progress reflects the hard work and advocacy of our members, alongside the support of the MLAs who represent our communities.

Today, members of IAFF Locals from across British Columbia met in Victoria at the Robert E. Hall Legislative Conference to speak with MLAs about this milestone and other key issues facing the fire service in B.C.

Executive members of Local 967 were grateful for the opportunity to meet with MLA Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General; MLA Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food; and MLA Diana Gibson, Minister for Citizens’ Services. We thank them for taking the time to engage in constructive conversations and for their continued support of firefighter health and safety in our community

02/25/2026

Today we’re proud to stand with our community for Pink Shirt Day.
What started in Canada as a small act of kindness has grown into a nationwide reminder that we all have a role in looking out for one another.

At Local 967, we see every day how strong a community can be when people have each other’s backs—on calls, at home, and in our schools.

Wear your pink with pride, Saanich.
Kindness makes us stronger. 💗

01/22/2026

New PFAS (forever chemical) free gear has arrived in CampbellRiver! 🚨🔥🚒

January is FireFighter Cancer Awareness month and we are proud to announce this major step forward in the health and safety of our members.
This was a team effort and we want to give a big shoutout to the City of Campbell River - Local Government and Fire Safety Group for working with us to make this happen; and a shoutout to the members within and the OHS Committee for continuing to push for our health and safety

Why does this matter?
Reducing exposure to carcinogens is critical for the long-term health of firefighters. This new Starfield turnout gear (provided by Associated Fire Safety Group) meets the rigorous new NFPA 1970 standards and features the Gore-Tex Crosstech Innovate moisture barrier—innovative technology made without PFAS.
For more information

🔗 To learn more about the fight against PFAS in the fire service, visit the IAFF webpage: https://www.iaff.org/pfas/

🔗For more information on what the IAFF1668 is up to visit our new website at https://www.campbellriverfirefighters.ca/

01/14/2026

01/10/2026

01/08/2026

We are very excited to have received a new set of PFAS Free Turnout Gear for each of our members.

PFAS chemicals are known to cause cancer. When working in turnout gear our body temperature elevates which opens the pours of our skin and allows these chemicals to absorb into our bodies.

Fire Fighters face more aggressive Cancer at higher rates at younger ages than the general population. Cancer continues to be the leading cause of Fire Fighter Line of Duty Death across North America.

We commit to taking steps to reduce our risk. Turnout gear with cancer causing PFAS (Forever Chemicals) was a risk factor that could only be controlled with this significant investment.

We appreciate the support of our Fire Chief, Mayor and Council in investing in our health and wellness. This investment will help reduce our exposures and take away one of the risks we face everyday.

Please keep an eye out on your favourite media providers as they have all taken an interest in this exciting news!

CFAX1070 CHEK News CTV Vancouver Island CBC News Victoria News

IAFF Canada - AIP
International Association of Fire Fighters 6th District
BC Professional Fire Fighters
International Association of Fire Fighters

From the Township of Esquimalt
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 6, 2026



Township of Esquimalt Firefighters Receive PFAS-Free Turnout Gear

Esquimalt Fire Rescue Services First on Vancouver Island to Transition to Next-Generation Protective Equipment



Esquimalt, BC- Esquimalt Fire Rescue Services receive new PFAS-free firefighter turnout gear, marking a significant milestone in firefighter health and safety. The Township of Esquimalt is the first fire department on Vancouver Island to fully transition to this next generation of protective equipment, which removes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, from firefighter gear



PFAS chemicals have historically been used in turnout gear for their water and heat-resistant properties. However, growing scientific evidence has linked PFAS exposure to increased cancer risk. Firefighters already face elevated occupational cancer rates, and many cancers are recognized as presumptive under provincial legislation, meaning they are presumed to be work-related due to the nature of firefighting.



“Cancer remains the leading occupational threat to firefighters,” said Fire Chief Matt Furlot. “This transition to PFAS-free gear is an important and proactive step to reduce long-term exposure to harmful chemicals, while maintaining the highest standards of protection on the fireground.”



In November 2024, Esquimalt Council approved the purchase of PFAS-free turnout gear through supplemental funding, demonstrating strong leadership and support for firefighter health, safety, and workplace wellness. At the time of approval, Council acknowledged the emerging science around PFAS exposure and the importance of adopting safer alternatives as they become available.



The delivery of the gear was delayed as manufacturers continued to refine and test the new materials to ensure they met or exceeded national safety and performance standards. These refinements were necessary to balance the removal of PFAS with durability, thermal protection, and operational performance required for structural firefighting.



“Council supported this investment knowing it represented both innovation and responsibility,” said Chief Furlot. “While the delay was longer than originally anticipated, it reflects the care taken by manufacturers to ensure the gear performs at the highest level for our firefighters.”



Issued during Firefighters Cancer Awareness Week, this initiative underscores Esquimalt’s commitment to cancer prevention and proactive action to reduce occupational health risks for firefighters. With the arrival of the new gear, Esquimalt Fire Rescue Services continues to demonstrate leadership in firefighter safety, cancer prevention, and progressive fire service practices. The department anticipates that this transition will also contribute to broader adoption of PFAS-free gear across the region in the coming years.

01/08/2026

🔥 January is 🎗️

Occupational cancer remains the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths for .

FFCAM is dedicated to:

🔸 Raising awareness
🔸 Promoting cancer-prevention practices
🔸 Supporting early detection
🔸 Sharing resources
🔸 Inspiring IAFF members to advocate for their own health and safety

Let’s start the year by reinforcing the habits and standards that keep fire fighters safe – on every call, every shift, every day.

Take action today: iaff.org/cancer-awareness-month

01/07/2026

Congratulations to on bringing PFAS-free turnout gear to the region — a major investment in the health and safety of their Fire Fighters.

Did you know the very gear meant to protect firefighters may also expose them to dangerous chemicals?
➡️ PFAS (“forever chemicals”), commonly used in all three layers of traditional turnout gear, have been linked to cancer and other serious health effects. These chemicals do not break down in the body or the environment and can accumulate over time, potentially contributing to the elevated cancer risks firefighters face.

January is Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s critical to understand the facts:
• In Canada, 93% of firefighter line-of-duty deaths between 2020–2024 were due to occupational cancers
• Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of developing cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general public
• In 2022, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified firefighting as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) — the same highest-risk classification as to***co and benzene

Steps like transitioning to PFAS-free gear matter. Protecting firefighters means reducing exposures, improving prevention, and prioritizing long-term health.

12/25/2025

Wishing our community a Merry Christmas and a safe, joyful holiday season.

Thank you to our crews on shift today, and to all first responders and medical workers working through the holidays to keep our communities safe. We also extend our gratitude to their loved ones for their support and understanding while they are away during this special time.

From all of us at Saanich Fire Fighters Local 967, Merry Christmas, Happy Happy Holidays, and Thank You for your continued support

11/11/2025

Today, on Remembrance Day, we reflect with gratitude on all who have served and continue to serve our nation in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping. Their courage and sacrifice will forever be remembered.

Saanich Fire Fighters’ Local 967 is honoured to stand with our community as we remember and give thanks.

Join us at the Saanich Remembrance Day Ceremony at 10:45 a.m. at the Municipal Hall Cenotaph (770 Vernon Ave).

Lest we forget.