A demonstration in November 2025 conducted by Tulmar Safety Systems with the support of the Hawkesbury Fire Department of the company’s KOVA EV fire blanket, a Canadian-engineered and Canadian-made tool designed to support first responders in managing electric vehicle (EV) fires. (Photo: Tulmar Safety Systems) Six fire services in the city and county of Peterborough are getting a combined total of $316,565 from provincial funding aimed at enhancing firefighter health and safety, updating station facilities, and improving responses to new fire risks like lithium-ion battery incidents. This funding is part of Ontario’s Fire Protection Grant, which is an application-based program launched in the 2024 Ontario budget as a three-year effort to equip municipal fire services with necessary resources to tackle modern safety issues that Ontario’s 33,000 municipal firefighters face. – content continues below “By doubling this year’s Fire Protection Grant, we are ensuring our local heroes have the specialized equipment and training they need to stay safe on the job and return home healthy to their families,” Smith said in the release. The eligible projects for grants in 2025-26 focus on preventing cancer, responding to incidents involving lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and electronics, as well as upgrading infrastructure including high-speed broadband for rural fire stations. The projects receiving grants in the city and county of Peterborough are detailed below. – content continues below Selwyn Township – Advanced Decon & PFAS-Free Gear – $82,225 Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (known as PFAS) are referred to as “forever chemicals” found in older firefighter gear that raise health concerns including higher cancer risk. Selwyn will replace outdated gear with PFAS-free options and set up industrial decontamination cabinets to eliminate harmful contaminants from equipment before reuse. “Protecting the health of our firefighters is one of our highest priorities,” said Selwyn Fire Chief Gord Jopling. “This funding enables us to invest in equipment that directly supports cancer prevention and ensures our crews’ health and safety is protected.” Douro-Dummer Township – Station Air Quality & Hose Care – $68,141 This project will introduce exhaust scrubbers that eliminate diesel soot – recognized as a carcinogen – from station air while special hose-washing devices will ensure hoses are clear of toxic residue before they’re put back into service. “As we are experiencing the loss of a firefighter brother from a workplace-related cancer, the Government of Ontario’s financial support to reduce exposure to cancer-causing carcinogens really hits home for us,” said Douro-Dummer Fire Chief Chuck Pedersen. – content continues below Municipality of Trent Lakes – Modernization & SCBA Care – $65,780 The upgrades include better station broadband that allows real-time mapping and thermal information sharing during emergencies along with support for maintaining self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) used during structural firefighting. “With the implementation of this grant, we are able to ensure our firefighters are better protected while serving our community,” said Steve Brockbank, Fire Chief of Trent Lakes Fire Rescue. He called this provincial grant an investment in firefighter safety as well as cancer prevention efforts. City of Peterborough – New Battery Threats & PPE – $50,000 This funding will help buy new fire blankets designed specifically for lithium-ion battery fires found in electric vehicles since these burn hotter and longer than other fires. It’ll also provide individual face pieces aimed at reducing cross-contamination risks among firefighters. “Firefighting is a demanding profession that carries real and lasting health and safety risks,” said Chris Snetsinger, Chief of Peterborough Fire Services. “Whether that’s limiting exposure to contaminants or improving protective equipment, investments in firefighter safety are investments in the well-being of our entire community.” – content continues below Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township – Portable Gear Drying – $31,883 Funding will support ram-air dryers that force heated airflow through heavy gear’s internal layers preventing mould growth while ensuring quick drying between calls. North Kawartha Township – Cancer Prevention Packs – $18 ,536 “Decon packs” will allow firefighters an initial on-scene scrub before re-entering trucks reducing cabin contamination while limiting secondary exposure following structural firefighting incidents. “The new bunker gear will enhance firefighter safety ensuring our department meets current standards,” said North Kawartha Mayor Carolyn Amyotte adding that this provincial grant helps offset critical protective equipment costs for the township.
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