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Carcinogen Exposure Risk

Wildfires expose wildland firefighters (WLFFs) to many different types of exposure hazards and risks, including carcinogens (substances that can cause cancer). Common exposures experienced during suppression and prescribed fire operations include smoke, dust, and ash. Additional carcinogenic exposures in the wildland fire environment include diesel exhaust, crystalline silica through work activities performed in ash and soil, asbestos, and radionuclides in certain geographic areas, heavy metals, and sunlight. WLFFs can be exposed to these hazards through inhaling, ingesting, and absorbing through the skin or mucous membranes.

Infographic of IARC Monographs Vol. 132: occupational exposure as a firefighter

 

 

In 2022, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined that “occupational exposure” as a firefighter was classified as “carcinogenic to humans” based on “sufficient” evidence for cancer in humans. This evaluation considered exposure and health studies from structural and wildland firefighters. The magnitude and frequency of exposure to carcinogens in the wildland environment vary, and traditional exposure reduction methods may be difficult to implement. Current recommended mitigation strategies to reduce exposure to carcinogens include:

Reduce exposure to dermal hazards

  • Implement hygiene practices for yourself and your gear and equipment.
  • “Cold trail” only to the extent of what is needed to secure your area.
  • When possible, shower or use a “bath-in-a-bag” to remove residual soot/ash from the skin.
  • Wear clean clothing and when possible, wash your clothing, often. If unable to launder, exchange clothing when on incidents. Clean high-touch surfaces in vehicles and workplaces.
  • Protect your skin from sun exposure. Apply sunscreen to sun-exposed areas (following manufacturer’s instructions).

Reduce exposure to inhalation and ingestion hazards

  • Establish mop-up criteria that allow resources to secure their area based on fire behavior, fuels, and topography.
  • Rotate fire personnel in and out of areas with high unavoidable smoke exposure.
  • Use air resource advisors to monitor and address smoke concerns at fire camps.
  • Locate Incident Command Posts (ICPs) and remote camps where the least smoke impact is practicable.
  • When provided, use the ventilated sleeping trailers.

WLFFs and incident management personnel prioritize health and safety, however, it is important to note that not all mitigation strategies will be applicable in all settings. Understanding your risk and implementing mitigation options where and when possible, may reduce your overall exposure.

Discussion Question:

  • What are specific ways you can minimize your exposure in various work scenarios? Think through shifts when you experienced exposure to carcinogenic hazards and implemented strategies to reduce your risk.

References:

Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters