Cancer is a long-term killer of firefighters, but fire officials say there has been some progress in the long, slow fight for benefits.
State law recognizes the higher risk of mesothelioma, testicular, intestinal and esophogeal cancers for firefighters, but it's incredibly rare that their families ever see line-of-duty death benefits
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Chief State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor said he sees that changing, along with perspective on firefighter cancer.
"The carcinogens in these fires and going through that, it's a silent killer... and it doesn't come on until later," Taylor said. "The general public and the fire service need to know the importance of it."
Taylor said he sees signs that word is spreading. One big step is acknowledging cancer can be fire service-related.
Asheville firefighter Will Willis died from cancer that spread from his kidneys to his intestines in February. This summer, for only the second time, the Industrial Commission confirmed the service connection and awarded survivor benefits to his family.
"That's very important. It sets precedent," Taylor said.
Taylor said he also welcomes the new firefighter cancer registry law establishing national data collection to better track the disease among active and retired firefighters. He also wants smaller rural departments to follow the lead of departments, like Raleigh, that focus on keeping gear clean and establishing protocols to limit lung and skin exposure during and after fires.
Taylor said he believes the amount of cancer deaths in firefighters will only get worse.
In addition to death benefits, there's also a push to include cancer treatment in worker's compensation awards.