Gavin Newsom, Governor of California | Official website
California officials have announced a new research initiative to examine cancer risks among firefighters, with the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of California Davis (UC Davis) leading the effort. The project will involve collaboration with CAL FIRE and is funded with nearly $9.7 million from CAL FIRE. Over two years, researchers will study 3,500 firefighters from various departments across the state.
The research aims to identify connections between occupational exposures on the fireground and long-term cancer risk. A key component of the study will compare exposures and biological changes in firefighters who responded to major incidents such as the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles with those who did not.
Governor Gavin Newsom commented on the timing of the initiative: “This study couldn’t come at a more critical time as the Trump administration cuts cancer research. It’s California at our best: our world-class public universities teaming up with the women and men who put their lives on the line to protect others – all in an effort to improve health outcomes for all. The findings of this research will help guide best practices better protecting firefighters from cancer risk for generations to come.”
Funding comes from both CAL FIRE and the University of California Office of the President. The UC research team is working closely with a firefighter advisory board to ensure that real-world needs are addressed throughout the process.
UC President James B. Milliken highlighted UC’s role in community health: “This vital study to understand and reduce cancer risks for firefighters gets to the heart of what UC researchers and scientists do best—save lives and keep our communities healthy and safe,” said Milliken. “As wildfires become more common across our state and nation, there’s an urgent need to support the firefighters who risk everything to save lives, homes, businesses, and communities throughout California. UC is proud to partner with CAL FIRE on this important research.”
CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler emphasized ongoing efforts: “This research underscores CAL FIRE’s commitment to protecting firefighter health through science, innovation, and partnership.”
Researchers plan to analyze biomarkers related both to exposure—such as heavy metals—and effect—including epigenetic alterations, transcriptomics, inflammation markers, and immune dysfunction—to develop prevention strategies for firefighters nationwide.
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