Story perspectives

Forest Service Ignored PFAS Risks in Firefighter Gear

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Forest Service knew in 2021 that wildland firefighters' gear contained PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) but did not inform personnel.
Internal emails show officials debated disclosure, prioritizing studies over immediate action.
Riva Duncan, a former fire chief, criticized the agency for neglecting firefighter health.
Experts say PFAS treatments are unnecessary for wildland gear, raising safety and transparency concerns about the Forest Service's handling of firefighter health risks.

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Story summary

The U.S. Forest Service knew in 2021 that wildland firefighters' gear contained PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) but did not inform personnel.
Internal emails show officials debated disclosure, prioritizing studies over immediate action.
Riva Duncan, a former fire chief, criticized the agency for neglecting firefighter health.
Experts say PFAS treatments are unnecessary for wildland gear, raising safety and transparency concerns about the Forest Service's handling of firefighter health risks.