Latest news with #AuroraFireRescue
CBS News
5 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Aurora Fire Rescue fights back against cancer risks with new screenings, turnout gear
Firefighters in Colorado face a lot of dangers that put them at risk of injury or illness, but one of the more prevalent problems can come from their own gear. Now, Aurora Fire Rescue is taking steps to make sure its crews stay safe while saving others. Firefighters have some of the highest risks for job-related cancer. According to the CDC, they are 9% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than the average American because of the chemicals that can be released in fires and the chemicals used to protect them from those fires. "The problem with this inner shell is it contains PFAS, and PFAS contributes to firefighter cancer," said Aurora Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Hunter Hackbarth. PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, but they're also known as "forever chemicals." They don't break down into the environment readily and include dozens of substances known to cause a variety of health problems. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, 72% of their members' line-of-duty deaths in 2023 were due to occupational cancer. "We have had two retirees that have passed from cancer. We have other retirees that are managing some cancer issues right now," said Hackbarth. That's why Aurora Fire Rescue is investing in programs to keep its men and women safe. First, they are starting lifespan cancer screenings for their firefighters through a federal government grant, and they are getting new gear free from cancer-causing PFAS. "Which is a single-layer gear, protective outer shell that we wear for medical calls, car accidents, auto extrication, wildland fire and general use compared to our structure, firefighting gear," said Hackbarth. The idea is that since the majority of calls they respond to are not structure fires, they can wear the light gear that doesn't expose them to PFAS like their bunker gear does. They will still have to use and carry their bunker gear, but will use it less often. It's an idea that is a big hit around the firehouse. "They're a lot lighter. They're a lot easier to walk around and breathe," said firefighter Patrick Slama. "In the summer, it will be nice," said firefighter Seidel.
CBS News
26-07-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Aurora Fire Rescue receives grant for new resource to fight electric vehicle fires
When an electric vehicle catches on fire, it's an especially dangerous situation for everyone, including firefighters. But thanks to a grant, Aurora Fire Rescue has access to more resources to help fight EV fires. "When it does ignite, it will burn extremely hot, extremely intense," explained Aurora Fire Rescue Firefighter and Paramedic Paul Shoemaker. "There could be up to 35, maybe even 40 different types of gases that come off of these, and all of them are very toxic to the respiratory system for the firefighters and to the bystanders that would be standing around these vehicles." He is an expert on EV fires, and he says fighting them is tricky and sometimes not possible, like in the case of a deadly crash earlier this year. A Tesla caught fire after a high-speed collision, but all Aurora Fire could do was let it burn out. That didn't sit well with them, so they bought a special blanket they can use to help them contain an electric vehicle fire if they ever have one again. Shoemaker said they recognized the blanket's benefit to the citizens of Aurora. But Aurora is Colorado's third largest city, and the blanket can only be used once. So, they decided to apply for money to get more. The E-470 safety foundation has an annual grant that it gives out to the community. This year, they gave Aurora Fire Rescue $2,500 to buy more EV blankets. That, added to some already allocated funds, means the department will be able to buy five more EV blankets. One for each Battalion Chief. "We really strive to have a safe roadway. And so, I think it's very important that the first responders are equipped," said Joe Donahue, Executive Director of E470 Public Highway Authority. If there were ever an EV fire on E470 in Aurora, Aurora Fire Rescue would respond, and they say that this grant and the blankets they will buy with the money will keep citizens safe everywhere in the city and on the tollway. "Out on 470, we don't have a water supply. This is going to allow us to put them over the top of the car, delay that chemical reaction, get the fire apparatus on scene and be able to apply water to it and rapidly cool it down," said Shoemaker. E470 says all the money they give out is raised. None of it comes from tolls.
CBS News
24-06-2025
- CBS News
Aurora fire chief says he's "alarmed" by actions of 2 firefighters who ran Aurora cop off road
Two Aurora firefighters -- a lieutenant and an engineer -- have been demoted over a bizarre incident in which the firefighters are accused of using their fire engine spotlights to blind an Aurora police officer as he drove toward the truck in his patrol car, forcing the police vehicle off the road to avoid a crash in a bizarre game resembling "chicken," CBS News Colorado has learned. According to CBS News sources and fire department records, Aurora Police Sgt. Tony Spano was leaving the city's south satellite facilities near the intersection of East Hampden Avenue and Dawson Street in a marked police car at about 7 p.m. on Feb. 25. Spano declined an interview request from CBS News Colorado. A source familiar with what occurred said that as Spano left the yard, heading west on an access road, an Aurora Fire Rescue engine truck approached him heading east. On board the fire department engine were Lt. John Casessa and Engineer Ryan Endly. According to disciplinary documents in the case, which were completed last month, the fire engine "spotlighted an APD patrol vehicle without justification and entered the patrol vehicle's lane of travel, causing the APD officer to drive onto the shoulder to avoid a collision." Nobody was injured and the APD vehicle was not damaged. Aurora Fire Rescue Lt. John Casessa, left, and Engineer Ryan Endly pose for an undated photo after receiving an award for saving a man's life. Aurora Fire Rescue Sources familiar with the incident say the bizarre occurrence was recorded by a surveillance camera at an Aurora water treatment plant adjacent to the road. The city of Aurora has refused to release the video or any written reports requested by CBS Colorado, saying this was a "personnel file" issue. Aurora Fire Chief Alec Oughton declined a request by CBS Colorado to be interviewed, but said in a written statement, "the Aurora Fire Rescue leadership team was alarmed by what occurred in February and we take matters like these seriously." Aurora Fire Rescue disciplinary orders, dated May 19, confirm the accounts provided earlier to CBS Colorado. According to the disciplinary order, Endley "admitted to engaging in the behaviors (...) you were aware that these behaviors were wrong, yet you failed to stop the misconduct." The order goes on to say that Endley's actions toward the police officer "were reckless and posed unnecessary risk to both our members and our partners at APD." The order says Endley "did not provide a reasonable explanation for your conduct or your failure to behave appropriately." The fire department investigation said Endley exhibited "poor judgment and lack of appropriate professionalism (...) We have decided to demote you to your previously held rank of Firefighter Medic." The order says Endley violated multiple department procedures. The disciplinary order for Casessa is similar to Endly's saying, "you were aware of Engineer Endly's actions in this incident, yet you failed to stop his misconduct." The order says Casessa was "the officer in charge" and "did not provide a reasonable explanation for your conduct or your failure to supervise appropriately." The order for immediate demotion was signed by Oughton, Casessa, and City Manager Jason Batchelor. According to the disciplinary order, Casessa acknowledged his actions "were reckless and posed unnecessary risk to both our members and our partners at APD." The order says Casessa provided a written response, but "it did not offer any compelling justification for your actions," according to his supervisors. Oughton said he stands by his decision to demote the two firefighters, as both are appealing their demotions to the position of "firefighter medic." When a CBS Colorado news crew stopped by Station 7, where Casessa and Endly had been assigned, other firefighters said the pair had been transferred out of the station after the February incident. Oughton said he was "eager to speak freely about this matter, however, I cannot jeopardize the process until it has concluded. Any deviation from AFR's policies and standards will not be tolerated and will be swiftly addressed, as was done here." He declined to address specific questions posed by CBS Colorado. A Colorado criminal database does not indicate either firefighter was charged criminally in connection with the February incident.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Restrictions temporarily lift for fireworks through July 4: Aurora Fire Rescue
DENVER (KDVR) — Aurora Fire Rescue is temporarily lifting a fire restriction to permit the sale and use of fireworks that do not explode or leave the ground through Independence Day. Aurora Fire Rescue announced the decision to lift the city's standing Stage 1 Fire Restriction to allow fireworks within the city's ordinance, Colorado state restrictions. Don't call 911: Here's how to report illegal fireworks in Colorado The burn restriction is in place throughout the year, intending to prevent the start of structural or wildland fires. It will be lifted from June 15 to July 4 and certain types of fireworks will be allowed, conditions permitting. 'Aurora Fire Rescue determines the need for a fire ban based on current climate and weather conditions using a data-driven approach. Three nationally recognized metrics developed by researchers at the University of Colorado guide this decision. A fire ban is implemented only when all three fire risk metrics meet or exceed the designated thresholds,' explained Aurora Fire Chief Alec Oughton in the announcement. 'At this time, only one of the three metrics has reached that level. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of current conditions, a fire ban will not be enacted.' AFR said that the permissible and illegal fireworks in Aurora are similar to the kinds that are allowed or restricted statewide. In Colorado, fireworks that explode or leave the ground are illegal, unless they are part of a professional display presented by someone certified by the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. Some examples of illegal fireworks include Firecrackers Aerial devices, such as rockets and bottle rockets Roman candles Cherry bombs Mortars or similar items, such as M-80s Police caution against illegal fireworks The agency warns that persons must be 16 or older to possess, use or discharge fireworks, unless under the supervision of an adult 21 years and older. Aurora fireworks ordinance violations can come with a fine up to $2,650 and/or up to one year in jail and other fees. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
01-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Colorado teen, 15, shot and killed, two others injured in shooting near Aurora fire station; Suspect at large
Aurora police are looking for a suspect or suspects in a shooting that claimed the life of a 15-year-old girl and injured two other people near a park and a fire station early Sunday morning. The shooting was reported around 12:30 a.m. at Aurora Fire Rescue Station 2, located at 12600 E. Hoffman Boulevard. Aurora firefighters returning to the station came upon the teen and a 20-year-old woman who had been shot. The firefighters began rendering aid and took them to a nearby hospital, but the 15-year-old died of her injuries, according to the Aurora Police Department. The woman is expected to survive. A third person, also a minor, was grazed by a bullet in the shooting, police say. Aurora police investigators believe the shooting happened in the parking lot of the fire station, but don't believe there was any connection to the fire station or any firefighters and believe the shooting was an "isolated incident." Police don't have any information on a suspect or suspects and are still investigating the shooting. The girl who died will be identified by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office.
