New Raleigh fire truck helps fight fires, the cancer-causing chemicals they cause [Video]

Raleigh firefighters are adding a new truck to their fleet to help protect them from cancer-causing soot that can cling to skin and gear.

Rehab 12 has several features to help protect firefighters, including a handwashing station. Battalion Chief Keith Wilder said it is ready to use as soon as an emergency arises.

Specifically, Wilder said the Rehab 12 would roll out for fires at the two-alarm or greater level, or at the request of the division chief.

“I’m so happy to see that vehicle because someone is here to take care of me,” Wilder said.

The truck cost the city about $260,000.

Cancer-causing carcinogens are the No. 1 killers of firefighters. It’s an issue WRAL News has covered over the years.

Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin pushed for the Raleigh Fire Department to get Rehab 12 after having a similar truck during the 13 years he spent with the Houston Fire Department.

Wilder says a more thorough decontamination eliminates roughly 85% of the toxins, but …