Council Funds PFAS-Free Firefighter Gear
The city created a new sub-fund to buy safer turnout gear for fire crews once it becomes commercially available.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Safety
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Portland firefighters are set to receive new PFAS-free protective gear after the City Council authorized a dedicated fund for the equipment. The Council action creates a new sub-fund to redirect underspent General Fund dollars toward replacing the current carcinogenic turnout suits as they become commercially available.
Why it matters
PFAS are classified as carcinogens and pose long-term health risks to first responders. This shift follows earlier local and state efforts to remove these chemicals from the city's firefighting operations.
The City Council established a new sub-fund to pay for equipment upgrades, drawing from existing General Fund underspending. While the gear is slated for replacement, the exact date for full deployment remains unknown as the Fire Bureau monitors the market for commercially viable options.
The players
Portland City Council
The 12-member body responsible for legislative decisions and city funding.
Portland Fire and Rescue
The bureau tasked with monitoring the availability of PFAS-free protective equipment.
City Administrator
The executive office that will receive updates from the Fire Bureau regarding equipment procurement.
The details
The Portland City Council passed a resolution on October 28 to create the PFAS Replacement Sub-Fund within the Fire Capital fund. This mechanism allows the city to immediately sequester underspent General Fund dollars for future equipment acquisitions. Portland Fire and Rescue is now tasked with reporting back to the City Administrator on the current market status and availability of safe, non-toxic turnout gear that meets safety standards.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: Portland City Council passes the resolution to authorize gear purchases.
Beyond the Bridges
This resolution extends the local commitment to eliminating PFAS by targeting the protective clothing itself rather than just the firefighting foam covered by Oregon Senate Bill 91. The action follows a documented regional trend of phasing out toxic compounds in public safety equipment.
Residents will see the Fire Bureau prioritize the transition to safer gear as it becomes available on the market. There is no immediate change to service levels or response times as the city prepares the funding mechanism for the transition.
The takeaway
The city is prioritizing health by setting aside funds for safer protective gear for first responders. Watch for updates from the Fire Bureau to the City Administrator regarding the commercial availability of this non-toxic equipment.
Further reading
For more information on current public safety initiatives, visit the Safety section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOIN 6 Portland.
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Should your local government prioritize funding the replacement of protective gear containing toxic chemicals?
