News & Updates

Wildfires and controlled burns worldwide may be pumping out far more air-polluting compounds than earlier calculations suggested, according to new research that accounts for overlooked emissions.

A study published Monday in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology estimates that wildfires and prescribed burns released an average of 143 million tons of airborne organic compounds each year from 1997 to 2023 — about 21% higher than previous assessments.

The findings suggest current air-quality models may be systematically underestimating health and climate risks associated with large-scale fires.

Congressional critics and firefighter safety advocates say the newly enacted National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 sidestepped tougher limits on so-called “forever chemicals,” leaving the Department of Defense free to continue buying PFAS-treated firefighting gear despite mounting health concerns.

The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act recognizes occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death for public safety officers, clearing the way for expanded federal benefits

The flames die down. The sirens fade. Firefighters peel off their gear, thinking the danger has passed. But in the quiet aftermath, another enemy lingers, an invisible film of “forever chemicals” clinging to jackets, pants and masks.

New York City lawmakers are weighing new protections for FDNY firefighters that would phase out cancer-linked chemicals from their gear.

Webinar Sign-up for 3/24 to see Burned

WHAT IS PFAS?????  We invited Bryan and Charlene from ESSHA to come tell us about PFAS and the studies that are taking place.

National Academies 2022 Report

Planning a Successful Safety Stand Down

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Final Fifth Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 5)

Focus on personal, crew, response and scene preparation to support emergency response efforts

Change will happen. It is inevitable and uncomfortable yet necessary in any industry for participants to stay competitive. Many of us who have spent years in the fire service have seen a lot of changes— changes in equipment, apparatus, buildings, and building components, all of which demand adaptation in our strategies and tactics.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused serious issues for our workforce. With so many people needing PPE, it became nearly impossible to find the supplies we needed.

Documentary Trailer

PFAS are a category of man-made chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other diseases.

DNR Secretary Preston Cole said the foam collection is the first step the state can take to protect firefighters and reduce the cost to local governments.

The reproductive toxicity of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been verified in both animal and in vitro experiments, however, the association between PFAS and female fertility remains contradictory in population studies. Therefore, in this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the effects of PFAS on female fertility based on population evidence.

Could the high rates of cancer in firefighters be linked to the gear that's supposed to protect them? Inside one family's epic search for answers.

We analyzed 72 children’s textile products marketed as stain-resistant from US and Canadian stores, particularly school uniforms, to assess if clothing represents a significant route of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

EPA CompTox Data Base