Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue has partnered with a Vancouver-based genetics company to help firefighters make informed decisions about their health and reduce risk factors for illness.
The DNA methylation testing, which helps identify how a person’s genetic makeup may influence various health functions, is voluntary and being offered to all 77 career firefighters.
Members who choose to take part provide a simple cheek swab, which is analyzed by the genetics company, dnaPower.
Each firefighter then receives a confidential report summarizing their unique health profile, which they can share with their healthcare provider to support ongoing health planning.
“This initiative is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our fire department members, aligned with our IAFF contractual agreement and our mission to safeguard the long-term health of firefighters,” explained Maple Ridge Fire Chief Dave Samson.
“Firefighting is an inherently high-risk profession, and the Workers Compensation Act in British Columbia recognizes 20 occupational cancers and diseases as being linked to firefighting,” he added.
The DNA-based testing is one part of the comprehensive firefighter wellness program developed by the department’s Health and Wellness Committee, which also includes:
building awareness of mental health injuries and reducing the emotional impacts of the job; identifying heart and cardiovascular risks early to support targeted interventions; measuring fitness and endurance to help design personalized fitness programs; and strengthening mental health resilience by providing confidential peer support.
Samson explained the committee saw value in adding the DNA testing as one part of a broader wellness strategy aimed at improving prevention, early detection, and individualized health support.
“Better understanding genetic predispositions related to detoxification, inflammation, cardiovascular health, and nutrient metabolism can help members and their healthcare providers tailor wellness strategies to their unique needs. It’s an innovative step forward in building long-term resilience for our firefighters,” he noted.
Samson added that understanding genetic risk factors provides insight into individual predispositions, which will enable tailored prevention and treatment strategies.
The department’s other health and wellness strategies include: cardiac stress testing, VO₂ max testing, peer support group development, and mental health awareness training – which work together to promote physical and psychological resilience of the team.
“Firefighters face unique occupational health risks,” said Samson.
“This initiative reflects our forward-thinking approach to combine traditional health monitoring with modern science to build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient fire service for years to come.”