TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — More than 500 sets of much needed gear for firefighters is just sitting in city storage, according to the Tampa Firefighters Union.

They are demanding that the city and fire department distribute the gear immediately, as wearing contaminated gear increases cancer risks, which they said is the leading cause of firefighter deaths in the nation.

Union President Nick Stocco said it’s dangerous for firefighters not to have a second set of gear due to all the toxins they carry from the hazardous atmospheres they go into.

“It’s like getting in your dirty gym clothes after getting out of a shower,” Stocco said.

He points to the agreement contract they have with the city, saying the distribution of the additional gear shall be accomplished in increments over the life of the contract, which expires in September.

“We’re now just a few months away from the contract expiring and not one person has gotten a second set of gear,” Stocco said. “So we’ve asked every month at least that I’ve been president.”

News Channel 8 On Your Side emailed the city, which forwarded our request to Tampa Fire Rescue. They said they are committed to ensuring the safety of every firefighter.

“If a firefighter’s gear does become contaminated during an incident, our dedicated logistics team is ready to provide ‘loaner gear,’ ensuring that our personnel can continue their work safely. The affected gear is then promptly decontaminated in accordance with NFPA codes and standards before being returned to service,” Tampa Fire Rescue said.

“While we appreciate the department logistics efforts in ensuring that the gear that’s contaminated is decontaminated, we have a legally final and binding contract,” Stocco said.

Fire Rescue went on to say, “We are still within the timeline outlined in our contract. No employee has been affected by not having replacement gear and everyone will receive their second set of gear by end of summer.”

“I say they’re misrepresenting their employees. Each one of those 500 whose sets are sitting at supply have been affected,” Stocco said. “I very respectfully say that those are excuses to neglecting distributing the personal protective equipment that’s readily available to be distributed.”

Here is the full statement from Tampa Fire Rescue:

“At Tampa Fire Rescue, the health, safety, and well-being of our firefighters are our top priorities, and the City of Tampa shares this commitment. We have established policies and procedures to ensure their protection, and we are fully prepared to handle any situation.

In the meantime, if a firefighter’s gear does become contaminated during an incident, our dedicated logistics team is ready to provide ‘loaner gear,’ ensuring that our personnel can continue their work safely. The affected gear is then promptly decontaminated in accordance with NFPA codes and standards before being returned to service.

We understand the critical importance of providing our team with the best protective gear available. While we are currently awaiting the second set of gear for every sworn firefighter due to manufacturer delays, we want to assure the public that we are still within the timeline outlined in our contract. No employee has been affected by not having replacement gear and everyone will receive their 2nd set of gear by end of summer.

“Tampa Fire Rescue administration is committed to ensuring the safety of every firefighter,” said Fire Chief Barbara Tripp. ” It is of the utmost importance and top priority. Our manufacturers stand ready to assist us.”

Tampa Fire Rescue stays committed to maintaining the highest safety standards to always protect our firefighters.”

Tampa Fire Rescue