Cancer cluster closes perth fire station 20150606 p5t8na.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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This was published 11 years ago

Cancer cluster closes Perth fire station

AAP

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A Perth fire station will no longer be staffed by firefighters after four were diagnosed with kidney cancer within six years.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson announced on Saturday all staff from the Success fire station will be permanently relocated.

"I have come to a decision that I cannot, in good conscience, direct any firefighter to return to the Hammond Road site," he said.

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The four firefighters were diagnosed with kidney cancer between 2008 and 2014.

Last year an internal review was undertaken by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), with testing carried out at Hammond Road station by an independent environmental agency.

The Department of Health also launched its own investigation.

However, none of the probes were able to determine what could have caused the cancer.

Following the revelations Success fire station's crew and equipment were temporarily relocated to the Cockburn Volunteer Emergency Services Complex.

Commissioner Gregson says Success firefighters will remain there until other arrangements are made.

"The health and safety of our emergency services personnel is paramount," he said in a statement.

DFES says it plans to review its health program to make sure firefighters have access to the support they need to prevent and detect cancers.

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It's generally accepted the occupation makes staff more susceptible to certain cancers.

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