In recent years, cancer deaths have sky rocketed with Firefighters. For years, people have thought it's the flames and smoke that kill. No. Studies are finding it's the skin absorbing deadly particles. Too often, they bypass the skin and go for the organs. I am SOOOO glad I stayed Engineer (Driver) most of my career (Since early 2004) Since then, I USUALLY stand at pump panels and get water to the fellas. But my first years were on a Ladder truck. Lots of down n dirty work there. In the past 7-8 years, departments have been HUUUGE on washing gear after every fire. It USED to be some sort of badge of honor to have sooty / battle damaged gear. Now, it's taboo as hell!