Quincy Faces Big Decision: New Firefighter Gear Costs $2. 6 Million

The city council is set to meet again on March 23 to decide whether to issue a $2. 6 million bond that would buy new firefighter turnout gear free of PFAS chemicals. The current equipment has tested positive for these substances, which are linked to health risks such as certain cancers. Some council members want to wait for more data before committing, worried that the new gear might be less heat‑resistant or even more flammable in certain situations. The debate has sparked strong reactions. Some voters see the council’s caution as a lack of concern for firefighters’ safety, asking why they would keep their crews at risk. Others argue that only careful scrutiny can guarantee the replacement gear won’t introduce new hazards, especially since the technology is still developing. One councilor suggested that a simple yes vote would avoid confusion, while another insists on full chemical disclosure and independent lab testing before any product is approved.

Experts explain why PFAS has been popular in turnout gear: it makes the fabric water‑repellent and durable. Recent studies, however, show that PFAS‑free fabrics can soak up fuels more readily and may ignite faster when exposed to flames. A 2025 journal article compared the two types, finding that fuel spread easily through the newer material and burned longer. Other research indicates that PFAS exposure in firefighters may come more from firefighting foams and dust than the gear itself, but concerns about potential skin contact remain. The city’s finance subcommittee is split: five members want more information, four are ready to move forward. A separate proposal from a councilor suggests cutting the bond term from ten years to five, which could save taxpayers about $365, 000 in interest. However, the council’s staff notes that changing the bond terms would require additional administrative steps and could delay the process. In the meantime, neighboring Brockton has already adopted PFAS‑free gear but does so gradually because of cost constraints. Its fire chief warns that durability may be lower and that real‑world testing is still pending. He stresses that any new equipment must meet performance standards while protecting firefighters from both PFAS exposure and the dangers of firefighting itself.

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