Mayor calls on national experts to assist task force in reviewing facts surrounding firefighters’ exposure to cyanide at two separate fires
PROVIDENCE – Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline and Fire Chief David D. Costa today briefed reporters on the status of a review into the circumstances surrounding several firefighters’ exposure to high levels of cyanide. Last Thursday, doctors at Rhode Island Hospital confirmed that several firefighters tested positive for cyanide poisoning after responding to a fire at El Fogon restaurant. The next day, Firefighter Kenneth E. Baker also tested positive for cyanide poisoning after suffering a heart attack at the scene of a house fire on Ralph Street.
Baker remains hospitalized at Rhode Island Hospital where his condition has been upgraded to serious from critical.
Mayor Cicilline is asking the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to assist a newly appointed five-member task force, formed by Chief Costa, in their review of the facts that led up to the incidents. NIOSH is the federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness.
“Our firefighters place themselves in the line of danger every day protecting the residents of this city,” said Mayor Cicilline. “It is paramount that we find out how these firefighters were exposed to cyanide and take the appropriate steps to ensure that our firefighters are adequately protected in the future.”
While NIOSH considers the City’s formal request for assistance, which could take four to six weeks, the Mayor said the five-member task force would conduct a thorough review of the facts that led to cyanide exposure. The team will also examine the firefighters’ apparatus, equipment and protective clothing to ensure that their safety gear was sufficient to protect them from exposure to toxic chemicals.
The Providence Fire Department’s safety policies and procedures are guided by standards set by the National Fire Protection Association.
Deputy Assistant Chief J. Curtis Varone has been appointed to lead the task force consisting of Battalion Chief Thomas Warren, Department Investigative and Safety Officer; Lieutenant Kevin Jutras; Firefighter Joseph Molis, Health & Safety Representative for Local 799; and Joseph Dorsey, Arson Investigator.