THREE FIRE SERVICE MULTIDISTRICT LITIGATIONS · AFFF MDL 2873 · TURNOUT-GEAR MDL 3191 · APPARATUS MDL 3179
The cost of PFAS belongs to the companies that profited
For decades, fire departments have relied on Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and turnout gear that contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These “forever chemicals” do not break down. The manufacturers knew the risks.
The financial burden of replacing contaminated land, water, and equipment belongs to the corporations that profited, not your taxpayers.
The reality of PFAS in the fire service
Turnout gear
Until the 2025 NFPA standard changes, all three layers of bunker gear effectively required PFAS to pass UV degradation tests.
AFFF foam
Used for liquid-fuel fires; has contaminated groundwater and workplaces.
Health risks
Kidney, testicular, liver, and thyroid cancers; ulcerative colitis; immune and reproductive disorders.
Three distinct claims, one coordinated intake
A municipality, fire district, or fire department may have three distinct claims from the same operations and purchasing history. The facts, defendants, damages, and MDL proceedings are different.
MDL 2873
D. South Carolina · Judge Gergel
AFFF ENVIRONMENTAL
Where PFAS got out of AFFF: use, discharge, storage, training, spills, or leaking equipment contaminating soil, groundwater, drinking water, or municipal property.
MDL 3191
FIREFIGHTER TURNOUT GEAR
D. Minnesota · Judge Bryan
What PFAS-containing turnout gear was purchased (coats, pants, hoods, helmets, gloves, boots, tape, and SCBAs) and the cost to test, dispose of, and replace it.
MDL 3179
FIRE APPARATUS ANTITRUST
E.D. Wisconsin · Judge Griesbach
Whether fire-truck prices were artificially inflated. Review engines, pumpers, aerials, quints, rescue and wildland apparatus bought from manufacturers or dealers.
Coordinated intake
One conversation maps AFFF sites, turnout-gear purchases, and apparatus buys onto the correct docket.
Accountability
Shifting liability from municipal budgets to responsible manufacturers.
How we help your department
Apparatus cost recovery
Pursuing alleged overcharges on engines, aerials, and related apparatus.
Environmental remediation
Cleanup of lands, training sites, and waterways contaminated by AFFF.
WHAT WE DO
Procuring PFAS-free gear
Securing funds to replace legacy turnout ensembles.
Pure contingency
No out-of-pocket costs; fee only if recovery is obtained.
NFPA 1970 (2025) cleared the path for PFAS-free gear: restricted substances, revised UV testing (Section 8.62), and total fluorine certification. IAFF PFAS resources: iaff.org/pfas.
NEXT STEPS
To learn more about cost recovery for your department (gear replacement, site remediation, apparatus purchases, and how the recent filings may apply), please contact:
Paul S. Diengot