On March 6, 1987, at 0103 hours, the Kitchener Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a local industry called Horticultural Technologies Incorporated (Incident No. 0295). Upon the arrival of the first pumper, (P-4) commanded by Captain Edward (John) Stahley, the fire had almost entirely consumed the interior of the manufacturing area of the structure and was about to break through the roof. As the fire progressed, multiple alarms were called, which lead to all units in the City being committed to the fire (with the exception of Pump 2 and Aerial 2).
The fire progressed through the night into the next morning with the night shift being relieved by the day shift. In total, approximately 69 fire fighters participated in the fighting of this fire. This works out to be approximately one half of the Kitchener Fire Department's Fire Suppression Division at the time. Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service and Kitchener-Waterloo Regional Ambulance Service were also in attendance.
Those at the scene reported "smoke and flame that was every colour of the rainbow". This and the presence of a large number of 45 gallon drums around the perimeter of the building caused some initial concerns as to what was contained in the plant. The manager of the facility was called, but lived in Mississauga and took over one hour to arrive. He did not provide much information, other than to explain that they manufactured items for the floral industry, primarily something called "Oasis Floral Foam", which is a hard foam like substance used by florists to hold floral arrangements in place as well as keeping the arrangement moist.
A green dye was used in the manufacturing process, which caused a number of fire fighters to take on a green tinge as they were fighting the fire. As the aforementioned caused some initial concerns, each member was requested by the KPFFA Health and Safety Committee to complete a KPFFA Exposure Report Form and a City of Kitchener Accident Report indicating on each that they had a "possible exposure to a hazardous substance" as a result of their attendance at this fire.
There were no significant injuries that resulted from the fire at the time, other than Captain Ed Stahley who did attend the Emergency Room at Kitchener-Waterloo General Hospital for an examination because he had turned a greenish colour. He was given a clean bill of health at that time. No further action was taken regarding this fire and all the reports completed by our members were filed away.
Fire Fighter Henry Lecreux was diagnosed as having developed Parkinson's Disease but continued to work for some months, until his condition worsened so that he was no longer able to speak and/or move properly and was forced on to sick leave. Henry's condition continued to decline until he passed away in February of 1993 at age 52. The cause of death was listed as toxic shock as a complication of Parkinson’s Disease.
In addition to the aforementioned, an unnamed retired Fire Fighter, who also attended the Horticultural fire has also developed Parkinson’s Disease.
Others who attended the fire have experienced a myriad of medical problems. One of the Platoon Chiefs on duty at the fire retired early with a number of medical problems. Platoon Chief Jim Loree, Captains Roy Hartman and Jim Klaehn have all suffered heart attacks since the fire and retired. These fire fighters have indicated that they do not wish to file claims and Jim Loree has subsequently passed away.
Captain Jim Rebbeck (retired) was diagnosed with what was believed to be Parkinson's Disease a few years ago. Captain Rebbeck is the only one of the aforementioned who have pursued a claim with the Board. With this claim there is some conflicting information as to the actual diagnosis, but he definitely suffers from an illness related tremors.
Upon closer examination, this has all happened to a group of approximately 69 fire fighters that attended this fire at one point or another. As stated previously, this works out to be approximately one half of the department at the time and in essence this has provided us with a control group to compare to. One half of the department was there and the other half was not. All of the aforementioned illnesses happened to those who were at the fire.
The fire progressed through the night into the next morning with the night shift being relieved by the day shift. In total, approximately 69 fire fighters participated in the fighting of this fire. This works out to be approximately one half of the Kitchener Fire Department's Fire Suppression Division at the time. Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service and Kitchener-Waterloo Regional Ambulance Service were also in attendance.
Those at the scene reported "smoke and flame that was every colour of the rainbow". This and the presence of a large number of 45 gallon drums around the perimeter of the building caused some initial concerns as to what was contained in the plant. The manager of the facility was called, but lived in Mississauga and took over one hour to arrive. He did not provide much information, other than to explain that they manufactured items for the floral industry, primarily something called "Oasis Floral Foam", which is a hard foam like substance used by florists to hold floral arrangements in place as well as keeping the arrangement moist.
A green dye was used in the manufacturing process, which caused a number of fire fighters to take on a green tinge as they were fighting the fire. As the aforementioned caused some initial concerns, each member was requested by the KPFFA Health and Safety Committee to complete a KPFFA Exposure Report Form and a City of Kitchener Accident Report indicating on each that they had a "possible exposure to a hazardous substance" as a result of their attendance at this fire.
There were no significant injuries that resulted from the fire at the time, other than Captain Ed Stahley who did attend the Emergency Room at Kitchener-Waterloo General Hospital for an examination because he had turned a greenish colour. He was given a clean bill of health at that time. No further action was taken regarding this fire and all the reports completed by our members were filed away.
Fire Fighter Henry Lecreux was diagnosed as having developed Parkinson's Disease but continued to work for some months, until his condition worsened so that he was no longer able to speak and/or move properly and was forced on to sick leave. Henry's condition continued to decline until he passed away in February of 1993 at age 52. The cause of death was listed as toxic shock as a complication of Parkinson’s Disease.
In addition to the aforementioned, an unnamed retired Fire Fighter, who also attended the Horticultural fire has also developed Parkinson’s Disease.
Others who attended the fire have experienced a myriad of medical problems. One of the Platoon Chiefs on duty at the fire retired early with a number of medical problems. Platoon Chief Jim Loree, Captains Roy Hartman and Jim Klaehn have all suffered heart attacks since the fire and retired. These fire fighters have indicated that they do not wish to file claims and Jim Loree has subsequently passed away.
Captain Jim Rebbeck (retired) was diagnosed with what was believed to be Parkinson's Disease a few years ago. Captain Rebbeck is the only one of the aforementioned who have pursued a claim with the Board. With this claim there is some conflicting information as to the actual diagnosis, but he definitely suffers from an illness related tremors.
Upon closer examination, this has all happened to a group of approximately 69 fire fighters that attended this fire at one point or another. As stated previously, this works out to be approximately one half of the department at the time and in essence this has provided us with a control group to compare to. One half of the department was there and the other half was not. All of the aforementioned illnesses happened to those who were at the fire.
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