East Providence Fire Dept Becomes First In The U.S. To Adopt PFAS-Free Turnout Gear
The East Providence Fire Department has become the first in the U.S. to fully equip its firefighters with non-PFAS turnout gear, setting a national precedent for clean protective gear. This landmark transition was made possible through a collaboration with Fire-Dex, a leading protective gear manufacturer, and Milliken & Company, a textile innovation firm.
Funded by a $658,000 city investment, the department acquired 170 sets of gear, outfitting all 125 full-time firefighters with turnout gear free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The gear includes Milliken Assure, North America’s first non-PFAS, non-halogenated flame-resistant moisture barrier. While outer shells and thermal liners without fluorochemicals have been available, moisture barriers have historically relied on PFAS for repellency and protection. The launch of Assure in October 2024 enabled Fire-Dex to create a fully non-fluorinated gear system that still meets the NFPA 1971-2018 standard and is UL certified.
“This is about progress, partnership and aligning our gear with our values,” said East Providence Fire Chief Michael Carey. “We’re proud to lead the way with U.S. partners who prioritize innovation and accountability.”
The move aligns with new regulations like Rhode Island’s H.B. 5019, signed into law on June 10, 2025, banning firefighter gear with added PFAS from January 1, 2027.
