East Providence equips entire department with PFAS-free turnout gear

The East Providence Fire Department in Rhode Island has become the first in the United States to outfit all firefighters with turnout gear free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The initiative was carried out in partnership with Fire-Dex and Milliken & Company and funded by a $658,000 investment from the City of East Providence.

The department received 170 sets of gear, providing each of its 125 full-time firefighters with one full new set.

According to Fire-Dex, the new gear includes Milliken Assure, a non-halogenated, non-PFAS moisture barrier introduced in October 2024.

The development comes as Rhode Island legislation H.B. 5019, which bans intentionally added PFAS in firefighting gear, was signed into law on 10 June 2025.

Turnout gear designed without fluorinated chemicals

Fire-Dex explained that the new gear marks a full transition to PFAS-free materials across all three layers of protection: the outer shell, thermal liner and moisture barrier.

While non-fluorinated options already existed for outer shells and liners, moisture barriers have traditionally depended on fluorinated compounds.

Milliken Assure was described by Fire-Dex as the first viable alternative that met all required safety and performance standards for moisture barriers.

The company confirmed that the new gear is certified by UL and compliant with NFPA 1971-2018.

According to Fire-Dex, performance and safety tests were conducted to verify durability and protection levels without the use of fluorochemical technologies.

Partnership between East Providence, Fire-Dex and Milliken

East Providence Fire Chief Michael Carey said: “This is about progress, partnership, and making deliberate decisions that reflect our department’s values.”

He added: “We’re proud to work with U.S. suppliers who share our vision and respond with innovation and accountability.”

Mayor Roberto DaSilva said: “Fire-Dex and Milliken listened closely to what we wanted and worked with us every step of the way.”

He added: “This gear delivery represents more than new uniforms – it represents a commitment to keep our firefighters protected when they put their lives in danger to keep our communities safe.”

The partnership began in early 2024, with East Providence working alongside Fire-Dex and Milliken to develop a complete, PFAS-free turnout solution.

Rhode Island legislation drives PFAS gear alternatives

According to Fire-Dex, the rollout of the new gear aligns with legislative action in Rhode Island.

H.B. 5019, signed into law on 10 June 2025, prohibits the manufacture, sale or distribution of turnout gear containing intentionally added PFAS from 1 January 2027.

The bill has added urgency to the search for alternatives across fire departments in the state.

Fire-Dex stated that its PFAS-free gear supports compliance with the upcoming law and positions East Providence ahead of the legislative timeline.

It also noted that increased national attention on PFAS in firefighter PPE has created momentum for chemical-free alternatives.

Long-standing relationships contribute to delivery

Fire-Dex said it has supplied turnout gear to the East Providence Fire Department for more than 20 years.

It stated that this long-standing relationship supported open collaboration and responsiveness during the gear development process.

Milliken and Fire-Dex also maintain a strategic manufacturing partnership that spans over a decade.

According to Fire-Dex, this collaboration allowed for joint development of protective fabrics using U.S.-based research and production.

The company added that the shared focus on firefighter safety helped align all parties on delivery goals.

East Providence becomes first in U.S. to implement PFAS-free turnout gear: Summary

The East Providence Fire Department is the first in the U.S. to adopt non-PFAS turnout gear across its entire workforce.

Fire-Dex reported the rollout as part of a $658,000 investment by the City of East Providence.

The gear includes Milliken Assure, a PFAS-free, flame-resistant moisture barrier.

Each of the city’s 125 full-time firefighters has received one new set of gear.

The delivery consists of 170 total sets of turnout gear.

Fire-Dex confirmed the new gear is UL certified and complies with NFPA 1971-2018.

The gear eliminates fluorinated chemicals from all three protective layers.

Rhode Island’s H.B. 5019 prohibits PFAS in turnout gear from 1 January 2027.

The law was signed on 10 June 2025.

The department’s adoption supports early compliance with the upcoming ban.

Fire-Dex and Milliken collaborated with the department beginning in early 2024.

Milliken and Fire-Dex have worked together for more than 10 years.

Fire-Dex has supplied East Providence Fire Department for over two decades.