Investigative Reporting Exposes Years of Awareness (Image Credits: Pixabay)
The U.S. Forest Service has halted the issuance of wildland firefighter pants containing PFAS chemicals, prompting a shift toward safer protective gear.
Investigative Reporting Exposes Years of Awareness
Officials at the U.S. Forest Service knew as early as 2021 that pants issued to wildland firefighters contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals.”[1]
Emails obtained by ProPublica revealed that supplier TenCate alerted the agency about PFAS in Kevlar-blend pants designed to repel gasoline and water.[1]
Despite this knowledge, the Forest Service continued distributing the gear without informing firefighters until a recent investigation prompted change.
On February 11, 2026, just one day after ProPublica’s article appeared, a cache manager directed colleagues to pause issuance of the pants.[1]
Understanding PFAS Risks in Firefighting Gear
PFAS compounds persist in the environment and human body, linked to health issues that have spurred lawsuits from municipal firefighters against gear manufacturers.
Wildland firefighters face unique exposures, primarily from smoke and soot, but research on PFAS absorption through gear remains limited compared to urban departments.
Jeff Burgess, a University of Arizona professor researching firefighter health, noted that understanding of these exposures has lagged for wildland crews.
The National Fire Protection Association restricted certain PFAS in municipal gear standards last year but has yet to update wildland standards, though its committee plans to revisit the topic.[1]
Forest Service Implements Immediate Changes
Pants with PFAS treatments were removed from National Interagency Support Caches, the agency’s gear stockpiles.
The supplier adopted a PFAS-free finish in January 2023, and the Forest Service instructed staff to discontinue use of older pants and replace them.
Officials issued an email stating that future equipment specifications would explicitly prohibit PFAS in fabrics and treatments.[1]
In a statement, the agency emphasized: “PFAS in protective gear is a complex, industry-wide issue and any suggestion that the agency has sought to obscure information does not reflect the extensive work to expand testing and improve long-term occupational health protections for firefighters.”[1]
- Removal of PFAS pants from caches
- Directive to replace existing older gear
- Updated procurement rules banning PFAS
- Coordination with manufacturers for PFAS-free alternatives
Challenges Persist for Wildland Fire Safety
An anonymous wildland firefighter reported that logistics teams received no guidance from superiors even last week, highlighting communication gaps during active fire seasons.
Rick Swan, a member of the NFPA’s wildland standards committee, called restricting PFAS a “no-brainer.”
Municipal departments have phased out PFAS more aggressively, but wildland agencies trail due to research gaps and operational demands.
ProPublica’s full reporting is available here, detailing emails and prior coverage on PFAS in Forest Service gear.[1]
Key Takeaways:
- Forest Service acted swiftly post-reporting, pulling PFAS pants nationwide.
- PFAS-free options existed since 2023, now mandated.
- Industry standards for wildland gear may soon follow suit.
This policy shift underscores growing scrutiny on chemical use in public safety equipment and sets a precedent for other agencies. As fire seasons intensify, prioritizing gear without persistent toxins could safeguard those on the front lines. What more can be done to protect wildland firefighters? Tell us in the comments.