According to International Association of Fire Fighters data reported at the world premiere of the documentary “Burnin’ Down the House,” cancer caused 200 of the 268 line-of-duty deaths recorded in the fire service in 2025. The 80-minute feature film, directed by Worcester-born filmmaker Tommy Jay Dwyer, debuted Thursday, Aug. 6, at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts before a packed crowd of firefighters. The documentary spotlights deteriorating conditions across three Massachusetts fire stations in Worcester, Fall River, and Westwood, linking facility neglect to severe health risks.
Health Hazards and Carcinogenic Risks in Massachusetts Firehouses
Firefighters in the documentary described living and working quarters permeated by harmful engine exhaust and deteriorating structures containing asbestos, according to production details shared at the screening. According to Boston’s Last Call Foundation executive director Kathy Crosby-Bell, whose organization sponsored the film, the World Health Organization has labeled firefighting a carcinogen. Crosby-Bell noted during the premiere that a referenced study found the pediatric cancer rate among children of firefighters is 25 times higher than that of the general public.
The film’s credits thanked Diane Cotter, a Worcester firefighter’s wife who exposed carcinogenic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in turnout gear. The documentary notes that many stations lack sufficient infrastructure to properly store or decontaminate such gear. According to Worcester Captain Matt Santon and Fall River Lt. Jason Burns, personnel frequently transition from responding to fatal vehicle crashes back to station kitchens.
Structural Deficiencies Spark Calls for Municipal Action
The documentary highlights severe infrastructure failures across multiple municipal properties. According to Dwyer, Westwood voters twice rejected funding bids for a new station before winter snowstorms forced the facility’s closure in February due to structural concerns. The film captured temporary metal shoring installed at the Westwood station to prevent heavy fire trucks from collapsing into the basement mechanics’ shop.
In Fall River, firefighters stated in the film that sewage routinely backs up through floor drains, and the station provides only one working shower stall for a seven-person crew requiring immediate post-fire decontamination. In Worcester, footage of the South Division Fire Station at 180 Southbridge St. showed failing ceilings, widespread mold, and poor ventilation. Worcester broke ground in June on a new $46 million South Division Fire Station.
Did you know? According to data presented at the premiere, the International Association of Fire Fighters reported that cancer accounted for 200 of the 268 line-of-duty deaths in 2025.
Fire Union Response and Future Plans for the Documentary
Ryan Kelley, head of the city’s fire union, stated that while he is pleased the South Division station is being replaced, conditions at the city’s other nine stations require attention. According to Kelley, only one or two stations currently meet National Fire Protection Association standards. Because municipal firefighters cannot strike to protest working conditions, Kelley told the Telegram & Gazette that he is asking city leaders to inspect every station and implement improvements.
Fall River Lt. Jason Burns urged audience members during the premiere to bring their concerns directly to municipal decision-makers. Filmmaker Tommy Jay Dwyer stated his intention to secure a broader theater run and potential streaming distribution for the documentary to expand public awareness of firehouse conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the closure of the Westwood fire station?
According to filmmaker Tommy Jay Dwyer, the Westwood station was forced to close in February due to structural concerns exacerbated by heavy winter snow, following two separate voter rejections for funding a new building.
What are the primary health risks highlighted in “Burnin’ Down the House”?
The documentary highlights elevated cancer rates, exposure to airborne asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes in living quarters, mold, and insufficient decontamination infrastructure for turnout gear containing PFAS.
How many line-of-duty deaths in 2025 were attributed to cancer?
According to data cited from the International Association of Fire Fighters, cancer caused 200 of the 268 line-of-duty deaths reported in 2025.
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