Family of Victoria Firefighter Warns of Cancer Risks After Tragic Death

The widow of a former firefighter from Victoria is raising awareness about the cancer risks associated with firefighting after her husband’s tragic death. Mark Perkins, a battalion chief with the Victoria Fire Department, passed away in December 2023 following a battle with rare and aggressive ureter cancer. His family believes this illness was linked to years of exposure to toxic smoke and carcinogens while on duty, a claim supported by WorkSafeBC, which acknowledges the connection between firefighting and cancer.

Perkins dedicated over three decades to fighting fires throughout the city, including significant incidents like the Ogden Point fire. He often used the same protective gear for years without proper cleaning. “It came through his skin,” stated his wife, Fern Perkins, highlighting the potential for harmful chemicals to enter the body through unwashed gear. She noted, “He always had the same gear… and it never got cleaned.”

Away from his professional life, Perkins was a committed family man. Fern described him as “my gift… I had him in my life for 65 years, most people never get that.” His dedication to his family was evident, even as he faced the dangers of his job.

Today, fire departments have implemented extensive decontamination processes and adopted newer, safer gear. Nevertheless, cancer remains a pressing issue, with statistics showing that it accounts for over 85 percent of duty-related firefighter deaths in Canada. This alarming trend has prompted various advocacy efforts during Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.

The Perkins family hopes that sharing Mark’s story will serve as a cautionary tale for current and future firefighters. Despite the risks, Fern emphasized her husband’s unwavering commitment to his career, stating, “Even if he did get cancer, he’d still do it all again.” His legacy continues to inspire conversations about safety and health within the firefighting community and beyond.

As awareness grows, the call for improved safety measures and protective equipment becomes increasingly urgent, ensuring that firefighters can perform their critical roles while minimizing the risks to their health.