SFFD fully equips firefighters with PFAS-free gear

The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) has become the largest fire department in the United States to fully equip its frontline firefighters with turnout gear that does not contain PFAS chemicals. This move comes as efforts grow across the sector to identify safer alternatives to PFAS in firefighting equipment.

SFFD worked with Milliken and gear manufacturer Fire-Dex to complete the order, with the first delivery arriving in November. The department expects to receive a total of 1,100 sets of PFAS-free turnout gear by the end of this month, ensuring one full set for every frontline suppression firefighter.

Fire Chief Dean Crispen said the department remains committed to protecting the health and safety of its personnel. He noted that firefighting is a high-risk profession and that firefighters deserve access to the safest and most advanced protective equipment available. He added that moving to PFAS-free gear is an important step in ensuring firefighters stay healthy and capable of serving the public effectively.

Before final selection, the new gear underwent strict performance and safety testing. This included a 90-day wear trial involving 50 firefighters who used the gear during live fire training exercises at the San Francisco Division of Training burn facilities.

Marcio Manique, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Milliken’s apparel business, said that the absence of a PFAS-free moisture barrier had previously prevented many departments from moving away from fluorinated chemicals. He explained that Assure was developed to meet strict performance standards without adding weight or reducing breathability, providing firefighters with the protection they need without introducing new risks.