PPE News

3 Mich. FDs receive a total of $1.3M in AFG funding for new SCBA

Midland, Saginaw and Bay City fire departments will replace 120 SCBA units, with new expected in service by summer 2026

$146K AFG grant helps Ind. FD buy new fire, EMS gear

The Highland Fire Protection District used an Assistance to Firefighters Grant to buy 33 sets of turnout gear, 10 sets of EMS gear, new helmets, boots and gloves, plus extrication and wildland equipment

IAFF asks court to dismiss lawsuits against NFPA over PPE standards related to PFAS

The firefighters' union moved to dismiss with prejudice its PFAS-related lawsuit over NFPA’s firefighter gear standard

Va. FF takes PPE companies to court over leukemia diagnosis

Richmond Firefighter Jonathan Clarke alleges companies like 3M, Chemours and Honeywell knew turnout gear contained cancer-linked "forever chemicals" but hid the danger

Texas city outfits all fire, EMS units with ballistic vests after recorded 14,000 hours of wear in 2024

Funding approved by the Central Texas Public Safety Commission will outfit all Austin Fire Department and Austin-Travis County EMScrews with upgraded body armor

From soot to safety: The evolution of firefighter decontamination

Modern decontamination practices are reducing cancer risk for firefighters by removing toxic fire byproducts from gear, skin, and equipment.

‘You can’t save anybody if you don’t save yourself first’: 4 firefighter cancer stories

Personal reflections on diagnosis, support systems, treatment, recovery and the path ahead

Training to command a mayday event

Officers must take personal responsibility for member readiness and plan single-company and multi-company drills to hone their own command skills

Energy company gives over $135K in grants to FDs in Neb., other states

More than 60 departments across seven states share $135K and Kearney-area agencies receive $30,500 for gear

NFPA 1970: A deeper understanding of firefighter hoods based on the new standard

With NFPA 1970 in effect, firefighters can expect new particulate-blocking and performance requirements in protective hoods

'Risk a lot to save a lot': Maine firefighters rescue 2 from blaze as heat warps helmet, facepiece

Faced with near-zero visibility, Portland firefighters entered the burning house twice, rescuing both occupants and escaping uninjured

'Risk a lot to save a lot': Maine FFs rescue 2 from blaze as heat damages helmet, facepiece

Faced with near-zero visibility, Portland firefighters entered the burning house twice, rescuing both occupants and escaping uninjured

Turnout gear cleaning system showcased for fire service leaders

During a three-day demonstration, chiefs, safety officers and lawmakers evaluated RedZone liquid carbon dioxide technology from Tersus Solutions

Ore. FD prepared with body armor for violent calls

Bend Fire and Rescue carries body armor on fire trucks for high-risk responses, though officials say most calls involve safe, positive public interactions

Tradition vs. function: The debate over firefighter helmet components

Comparing classic leather helmets with contemporary models while examining safety features and compliance with current standards.

NFPA 1970: Are firefighters trading cancer for heatstroke?

The road to PFAS-free PPE is paved with good intentions but full of unknowns

Fire service proximity suits: What are they used for and what are they made of?

Proximity firefighting ensembles are not just for aircraft firefighting, and not all suits have the same level of protection

2023 AFG PPE Project Guide (eBook)

AFG 2023 is open — download this guide now for your best chance of success at receiving AFG funding for PPE FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants application period is now open! You have until March 8 at 5 p.m. E.T. only to submit your application. Download this free guide to learn how to develop a competitive […]

How to choose the right firefighting boot (eBook)

Footwear should provide optimum agility, fit and comfort in addition to protection from fireground hazards Firefighting boots need to do much more than keep your feet dry. They have to shield your feet from hazards, as well as allow sufficient comfort and dexterity to perform physically demanding work. These goals can be at cross purposes […]

FY24 AFG: Prepare your application for turnout gear now (tip sheet)

Tips for preparing a strong application for turnout gear funding AFG FY24 is now open! FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program provides funding for critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. For guidance on preparing a strong application […]