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Fire chief flags future gear costs tied to PFOA rules; apparatus staging planned around paving

3244241 · May 7, 2025

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Summary

Fire Chief Chris Clark told the select board that upcoming regulatory changes mean turnout gear containing PFOAs will be phased out and that replacement sets will cost more; the department will also coordinate apparatus staging with paving to avoid damage to new pavement.

Chris Clark, Rutland Town fire chief, updated the select board on equipment and operational issues at the May 6 meeting, including a county briefing on firefighting turnout gear that raised replacement-cost concerns.

At a recent county meeting, Clark said he was told that after a future compliance date referenced in the session new purchases of gear containing PFOAs will not be allowed; he relayed the wording used at the county meeting: “in 02/1927, you're no longer to able to buy gear with PFOAs in it because it's cancer causing,” and added that existing gear will be usable up to the 10-year service life rule identified in that briefing. Clark said the newer PFOA-free sets carry roughly a $1,000 premium per set compared with current equipment.

Chief Clark also confirmed routine operational logistics around pending paving at the Public Safety Building: if contractors pave on Monday as planned, the department will temporarily house apparatus at the highway garage or other town locations so equipment does not damage fresh pavement. He asked staff to coordinate timing so apparatus return only after pavement cures.

Why it matters: Changes to allowable materials in turnout gear could meaningfully increase replacement costs for fire departments on multi-year equipment cycles. Separately, protecting new pavement from heavy apparatus preserves capital expenditures and prolongs surface life.

What’s next: The fire chief will continue to monitor state and regional guidance on PFOA/PFAS phase-outs and will report budget implications during next year’s capital discussions. He and highway staff will finalize apparatus staging plans for paving operations.