Raleigh fire captain dies, wife creates fundraiser about cancer risk
Firefighters and emergency responders on Monday lined overpasses between Durham and Garner in honor of Raleigh Fire Department Captain Nathan Burgess, who died Sunday evening after a battle with cancer.
Burgess passed away at Duke University Medical Center surrounded by family and friends, according to a social media post.
Sky 5 flew overhead as Burgess was honored with a procession from Duke Medical Center to Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner.
Days before his death, Burgess' wife, Christy Burgess, posted on Facebook that her husband's cancer had returned.
She started a fundraiser, The Phoenix Project, to remind and educate firefighters on how they can lower their risk of exposure to carcinogens and hazardous materials -- like changing out of smoky uniforms and showering as soon as possible after responding to fires.
"Firefighters are at a much higher risk for cancer than the general public," she wrote. "2 out of every 3 firefighters will develop cancer."
According to his wife, Nathan served as a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, assistant chief, chief, burn instructor, academy instructor and as a task force team leader.
For years, WRAL Investigates has reported on the rising rate of cancer among firefighters, which studies link to the various hazards and exposures of the profession. Some of the firefighters who spoke to WRAL Investigates have died since the series began, and cancer deaths are more common in the profession than deaths from fire.
WRAL Investigates has highlighted alarmingly high cancer rates among firefighters, as well as their fight to get those cancers recognized as dangers of the job to receive extra benefits.
Studies have shown for years that firefighters are exposed to several known cancer-causing toxins while on the job – whether it’s what’s burning or the chemicals they use to suppress the flames. Their gear could also pose a risk due to cancer-causing PFAS or forever chemicals used to make uniforms water repellent.
Researchers at North Carolina State University are working on PFAS gear alternatives, and last year industrial conglomerate 3M announced it plans to phase out use of so-called "forever chemicals" by 2025.
In 2022, North Carolina began making payments out of a new $15 million fund meant to help firefighters who have developed cancer.
New diagnoses qualify for an immediate $25,000 lump sum payment, followed by up to $12,000 in reimbursements to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses. Firefighters also qualify for monthly disability pay under the program.
