Firefighters dying in record numbers from cancer - report

Firefighters are reportedly dying in record numbers.

They are now pushing for the main killer, cancer, to be recognised as connected to their occupation so they don’t have to fight for ACC compensation.

Around a dozen cancers have been linked to their profession with international research showing they have 102 per cent greater risk of developing testicular cancer, a 28 percent greater risk of prostate cancer and 32 percent of brain cancer.

This week they took to Parliament in an effort to have their high rate of cancer acknowledged.

Alex Forrest is a Canadian firefighter and expert on firefighters occupational cancers.He has been in the country this week to assist the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union.

Alex joined The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin to share his experience working as a firefighter.

Related Articles

VIEW ALL VIEW ALL

Vale Volunteer Support Officer Mike (Sooty) Barratt

Mike will be known by many of our members as a firefighter for many years, before transferring to Waitemata District as a Volunteer Support Officer. 


Timaru Local Secretary Nominations

Please post this notice on union notice boards and make all members are aware that nominations are called, and the elections are overseen by the Returning Officer as set out below.


Annual General Meeting

Members are advised that pursuant to Union Rule B.15.11, notice is given for the Auckland Local Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 4 September 2025.