The East Providence Fire Department has become the first in the United States to implement non-PFAS turnout gear across the entire department, according to Fire-Dex.
The change was made through a partnership between Fire-Dex and Milliken & Company, following a $658,000 purchase by the City of East Providence.
The department’s 125 full-time firefighters have now each received new gear made from non-fluorinated materials, including 170 full sets.
East Providence Fire Chief Michael Carey said the shift reflects the department’s “deliberate decisions” aligned with its values and described the collaboration with U.S. suppliers as essential.
The initiative is part of a broader national shift toward PFAS-free firefighter equipment, with Rhode Island’s H.B. 5019 law banning the sale and use of turnout gear containing intentionally added PFAS from January 1, 2027.
Fire-Dex explained that the delivered sets feature Milliken Assure™, which is described as North America’s first non-PFAS, non-halogenated moisture barrier certified to NFPA 1971-2018.
The company stated that Assure™ was introduced in October 2024 and enables the construction of turnout gear without any use of fluorinated compounds across the outer shell, thermal liner, or moisture barrier.
Fire-Dex said the gear underwent performance and safety evaluations and is UL certified.
According to Milliken, the solution was made possible by addressing the moisture barrier, which historically relied on PFAS chemistry for water resistance and pathogen protection.
The collaboration between the two manufacturers has been ongoing for over a decade and is rooted in U.S.-based research and production.
East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva said the city’s investment went beyond outfitting the department, describing it as a move to protect firefighters while aligning with legislative developments.
DaSilva said: “Fire-Dex and Milliken listened closely to what we wanted and worked with us every step of the way.
“This gear delivery represents more than new uniforms.
“It represents a commitment to keep our firefighters protected when they put their lives in danger to keep our communities safe.”
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed H.B. 5019 into law on June 10, 2025, mandating that all turnout gear sold or used in the state after January 1, 2027, must be free of intentionally added PFAS.
The City of East Providence said the decision to act early was in part a response to this timeline.
According to Fire-Dex, the $658,000 purchase covered 170 full gear sets for East Providence’s 125 firefighters.
This ensures every firefighter received a new set while additional spares were made available.
Chief Michael Carey said: “This is about progress, partnership, and making deliberate decisions that reflect our department’s values.
“We’re proud to work with U.S. suppliers who share our vision and respond with innovation and accountability.”
The gear arrived in early June 2025 and is now in active use across the department.
Fire-Dex has supplied turnout gear to East Providence for over 20 years.
The company said the relationship has been based on trust and mutual focus on firefighter safety.
Milliken and Fire-Dex have worked together for more than a decade on textile innovation, with both firms headquartered in the U.S.
According to Fire-Dex, this latest development builds on the companies’ shared goal of offering alternative materials without fluorinated chemicals.
The gear was described by the manufacturers as meeting or exceeding the same standards as traditional PFAS-based gear.
The East Providence Fire Department has transitioned entirely to PFAS-free turnout gear.
Fire-Dex and Milliken & Company partnered to supply the gear.
The gear includes the Assure™ moisture barrier developed by Milliken.
Assure™ is free of PFAS and halogens.
The City of East Providence invested $658,000 in the purchase.
The department received 170 full sets of gear.
All 125 full-time firefighters received new gear.
The gear is UL certified and meets NFPA 1971-2018.
Rhode Island law H.B. 5019 bans PFAS in gear from 2027.
The city’s transition occurred before the state deadline.
Fire-Dex and Milliken have a decade-long collaboration.
Fire-Dex has supplied East Providence for over 20 years.
The gear is now in use.
