San Francisco Fire Department Invests $3 Million to Adopt Non-PFAS Turnout Gear

The largest fire department in the US to convert its whole fleet to non-PFAS turnout equipment is the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD). The equipment was acquired in part thanks to a $2.35 million FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and departmental matching funds, as interest in finding PFAS substitutes for firefighting equipment grows.

To complete the order, the department collaborated with gear manufacturer Fire-Dex and textile developer Milliken & Company; the first cargo was sent this month. By December 31, 2025, the department intends to receive 1,100 sets of non-PFAS turnout equipment, one set for each member of the frontline suppression team.

“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. 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,” said SFFD Fire Chief Dean Crispen.

The change comes after San Francisco became the first city in the nation to outlaw the use of PFAS chemicals in its firefighters' turnout gear with an ordinance approved in May 2024. Department officials selected the final equipment well in advance of the June 30, 2026 deadline for the switch by working quickly to acquire and evaluate possible solutions.

The chosen equipment underwent extensive performance and safety testing, including a 90-day wear trial in which 50 firefighters underwent live fire training in the burn chambers of the San Francisco Division of Training. The equipment satisfies NFPA 1971-2018 and 1971-2025 standards and is UL certified.

Although non-fluorinated fabrics have been used for thermal liners and turnout gear outer shells, moisture barrier substitutes continue to be a significant technical problem. Fire-Dex was able to offer SFFD a solution that satisfied all standards with the launch of Milliken Assure, the first non-PFAS, non-halogenated flame-resistant moisture barrier in North America, in October 2024.

“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.”

In order to order the clothing from Fire-Dex and size each firefighter for their new gear, SFFD collaborated with MES Life Safety. For ten years, Milliken and Fire-Dex have maintained a strategic partnership that uses U.S. research and manufacture to bring innovation and progress in fire services.

“Fire-Dex is honored to supply the San Francisco Fire Department with AeroFlex turnout gear featuring a non-fluorinated moisture barrier,” said Jeff Koledo, Fire-Dex Vice President of Sales. “We’re grateful to work alongside Milliken and MES in delivering this solution. Our goal has always been to provide fire departments across the country with options that meet their needs — and ultimately ensure they have the essential protection required to keep their communities safe.”

About Milliken

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.