Fire-Dex Blog

QUINCY, MA (July 21, 2026) — The Quincy Fire Department has completed its transition to non-PFAS turnout gear, nearly one year after independent testing detected PFAS in equipment the city had previously purchased and believed to be PFAS-free. The City of Quincy invested approximately $2.65 million

A Legacy Built on Firefighter Safety

The fire service has evolved, and firefighter PPE has had to evolve with it. Today’s challenges are clear: heat stress, cancer risks, and gear performance in increasingly demanding conditions. PPE can’t just protect in the moment; it needs to support long-term

A breakdown of the new standard and how it impacts everything from maintenance and care to manufacturing standards.

Finding a Fit

There’s no substitute for proper fit on the fireground. And the reason is simple: if your gear doesn’t fit properly, you don’t have the protection you need.

The Virtual Sizer has been out in the real world for a while now, so we thought it was time to take a 30,000-foot view and consider how this technology has performed in the field. 

The Team

Fire‑Dex and Los Angeles County Fire Department came together with a single goal in mind: to design turnout gear that delivers a new level of breathability, built to meet the evolving needs of today’s firefighters.

Mental health.

As concern grows around fireground contaminants, particulate barriers have become a popular addition to turnout gear. While these added layers are designed to reduce exposure, they also come with a trade-off: reduced breathability and increased heat retention, which can contribute to heat stress. 

In the ever-evolving world of firefighting, it can feel like changes in procedure and protocol are constant. The NFPA has a variety of standards for each component of gear and their use, including the new NFPA 1970 standard that sets out PPE guidelines.

Women in firefighting: you deserve to be protected.