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Committee backs $2.3M FEMA grant to buy PFAS‑free turnouts for SFFD
Summary
Supervisors voted to forward a resolution authorizing the San Francisco Fire Department to retroactively accept about $2.3 million in FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant funds to purchase PFAS‑ and bromine‑free turnout coats and pants; the department said testing confirmed safety and that general fund dollars will supplement pants to outfit roughly 90% of frontline personnel.
The Budget & Finance Committee voted 3–0 to forward a resolution retroactively authorizing the San Francisco Fire Department to accept and expend approximately $2.3 million from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant to buy PFAS‑ and bromine‑free turnout gear.
Mike Mullen, assistant deputy chief of support services, said the department has procured turnout coats and pants that are PFAS‑ and bromine‑free and that independent testing confirmed they meet safety and durability standards. "This grant will buy 1,100 coats and 580 pants that are carcinogen free," Mullen said. He added the department plans to supplement with general‑fund dollars to obtain additional pants so roughly 90% of frontline field personnel will have at least one PFAS‑free set.
Mullen provided price estimates: coats approximately $1,900 each and pants approximately $1,300 each, and he said a full department conversion had earlier high‑end estimates in the multi‑million range. The committee accepted the presentation and forwarded the item to the full Board with a positive recommendation.
