Smiths Falls council is supporting the fire department’s cancer prevention efforts with the purchase of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) decontamination washer, which helps erradicate the toxins that sticks to uniforms after fires.
The purchase is being supported in part through provincial firefighter cancer prevention funding. The Ontario government established a $20-million grant program to help municipalities invest in equipment and initiatives that reduce firefighters’ exposure to cancer-causing contaminants.
Smiths Falls received $8,230.45 through the program in 2025, which was used to purchase carbon-fibre particulate flash hoods and firefighter gloves. In 2026, the town received $19,626.05 in grant funding toward the SCBA washer project.
Fire Chief Rick Chesebrough said their current decontamination process is not up to par.
Chesebrough said the washer is a key piece of equipment aimed at strengthening firefighter cancer prevention efforts.
Council is spending about $23,000 from capital reserves for the equipment after receiving nearly $20,000 in provincial grant funding.
Staff recommended awarding the contract to A.J. Stone Company, noting the bid complied with all requirements and remained within the approved budget. Council agreed with the recommendation.
Story by Grant Deme
