SFFD: Largest Fire Department in U.S. to Adopt Non-PFAS Gear

The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) has become the largest fire department in the U.S. to transition entirely to non-PFAS turnout gear, the specialized protective clothing worn by firefighters. The gear was purchased in part through a $2.35 million Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from FEMA and matching funds from the department, amid growing momentum around identifying PFAS alternatives in firefighting gear.

The department worked with TRSA supplier partner member Milliken & Co., Spartanburg, SC, and gear manufacturer Fire-Dex to fulfill the order, whose first shipment was delivered in December 2025. The department received 1,100 sets of non-PFAS turnout gear, one set for every frontline member of the department, by Dec. 31, 2025.

“As the San Francisco Fire Department continues to lead in innovation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the health and safety of our members,” said SFFD Fire Chief Dean Crispen. “Firefighting is inherently dangerous, and our personnel deserve access to the most modern, protective and safest turnout gear available. Transitioning to PFAS-free equipment is a critical step in advancing our mission: safeguarding the public by ensuring our firefighters remain healthy and able to serve at their highest capacity.”

The transition follows an ordinance passed in May 2024 making San Francisco the first city in the country to ban the use of PFAS chemicals in its firefighters’ turnout gear. With a June 30, 2026, deadline to make the switch, department officials worked efficiently to procure and test potential solutions, selecting the final gear well ahead of the deadline.

The selected gear went through rigorous performance and safety testing, including a 90-day wear trial with 50 firefighters going through live fire training at the San Francisco Division of Training burn rooms. The gear is UL certified and meets the NFPA 1971-2018 and 1971-2025 standards.

While non-fluorinated fabrics have existed for turnout gear outer shells and thermal liners, moisture barrier alternatives remained a key technical challenge. The introduction of Milliken Assure™ – North America’s first non-PFAS, non-halogenated flame-resistant moisture barrier, according to a news release – in October 2024 made it possible for Fire-Dex to provide SFFD with a solution that met all requirements.

“A non-PFAS moisture barrier was the missing piece for departments wanting to move away from fluorinated chemicals,” said Marcio Manique, SVP and managing director of Milliken’s apparel business. “With Assure™, we refused to trade one hazard for another. It meets the strictest performance standards without adding weight or compromising breathability – giving firefighters exactly what they asked for.”

San Francisco encompasses 49 square miles and is the fourth largest city in California. The SFFD is the 10th largest fire department in the U.S., serving an estimated 1.5 million people. With 45 stations, firefighters respond to an average of 180,000 annual emergency calls.