SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom on Sep 9 announced a major new research effort led by UCLA and UC Davis, in collaboration with CAL FIRE, to investigate how occupational exposures among firefighters may increase cancer risk. The project, a sub-study of the California Firefighter Cancer Research Study (CAFF-CRS), is backed by nearly $9.7 million in funding from CAL FIRE and will include 3,500 firefighters from departments across the state over a two-year period.

The study, funded by CALFIRE and the University of California Office of the President, will analyze how exposures on the fireground, especially during significant events, may drive changes in the body that contribute to cancer risk over time. The UC research team is guided by a firefighter advisory board to ensure the study remains grounded in real-world needs and priorities.

A specific area of focus will compare exposures and biological changes in firefighters who responded to the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles with those who did not.