Fire-Dex turnout system verified for UL particulate ingress requirements

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Fire-Dex verification covers AeroFlex configuration

Fire-Dex has announced that UL Solutions has verified particulate ingress results for its AeroFlex turnout system under UL Verification 1641.

The company said the verification confirms performance to NFPA Particle Inward Leakage testing requirements when the ensemble is worn in a specific configuration.

The evaluated setup included the AeroFlex coat with a properly engaged SCBA, along with AeroFlex pants fitted with the optional particulate-blocking barrier.

Results are published by UL Solutions under Verification 1641.

Test method and reported findings

Testing used a controlled particulate chamber in which a firefighter performed prescribed actions for 20 minutes.

Researchers then assessed skin contamination after the gear was carefully doffed.

According to Fire-Dex, UL’s verification posting reports less than 1 microgram exposure on the wearer across the ensemble.

The findings confirm that a properly engaged SCBA helps seal the coat-to-pant interface, preventing particulate migration into the torso area even without an added particulate barrier in the coat.

The optional particulate-blocking barrier in the pants provided added lower body protection.

AeroFlex design and company comments

Fire-Dex said the AeroFlex turnout system is built around zoned breathability.

It places VaporLite breathable composite panels at the side seams, armpits, inner thighs and behind the knees.

It also integrates AeroVent Technology within those zones to move warm humid air outward under pressure, with an integrated particulate-blocking element in the vent.

Todd Herring, V.P. of Product Innovation and Strategy, Fire-Dex, said: “Particulate barriers in pant/coat interfaces add protection from contaminants, but the trade-off is that they can limit breathability.

“AirFlex is designed differently, with vents that help hot air escape from inside turnouts but that also keep particulates out.

“That gives departments a clearer path when weighing particulate protection and heat management inside the coat, because our UL-verified system addresses both in one ensemble.

“This design supports breathability, wearer comfort, and operational mobility while maintaining required certified performance.”

Fire-Dex said AeroFlex was engineered to address the effect that added particulate barrier layers can have on moisture vapour transport through a structural coat.

Gear Wash announces 14th facility with new California opening

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Gear Wash expands in California

Gear Wash has opened a new facility in Santa Fe Springs, California, marking its second location in the state and its 14th facility nationwide.

The company announced that the site will provide National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliant personal protective equipment (PPE) care for fire departments in the Santa Fe Springs region.

California’s adherence to NFPA cleaning and repair guidelines is a legal mandate and the new facility will offer cleaning, inspection, repair and alteration services for PPE.

Gear Wash cites demand from fire departments

Taylor Burke Gilman, President of Gear Wash, said: “Thanks to strong partnerships with major departments like LA County and San Francisco, we’ve seen firsthand the growing need for reliable, compliant PPE care throughout California.

“This expansion helps us be closer to the people we serve.

“It means tighter pickup routes, faster turnarounds and the capacity to serve everyone—from the largest departments to volunteer agencies.”

Gear Wash said it also provides temporary gear rentals so departments can continue operating while equipment is out for service.

Gilman added: “What makes Gear Wash different is that we’re tied directly to the people who build modern turnout gear.

“Our connection to Fire-Dex keeps us close to the design and performance intent behind the gear, so we can identify issues faster and make smarter repairs.

“We see and service more gear than anyone, from every manufacturer regardless of the label, so we know what ‘normal’ wear looks like versus early warning signs that something more serious is wrong.”

The opening gives Gear Wash a second California base as it expands its PPE care network in the state.

LION partners with Decontex for fire service PPE cleaning

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LION adds CO2 PPE cleaning to fire service support

LION Safety Solutions has partnered with Decontex Holding to deliver SuperCritical CO2 PPE Cleaning technology through LION TotalCare for fire departments.

LION said it will deploy the technology across its facilities nationwide over the next year.

The rollout will expand access to the system through LION TotalCare, with installation, servicing and support managed locally in partnership with Decontex.

The company said the technology was invented by NASA and developed by Decontex.

It added that the system exceeds NFPA 1850 cleaning standards, based on verification by an independent U.S. laboratory.

The technology has been used to clean more than one million pieces of PPE across 16 countries.

LION and Decontex outline partnership

Mark Smith, CEO of LION Safety Solutions, said: “We are always seeking ways to improve how we serve our customers.

“That means developing and delivering the best technologies available and deploying them in ways that make our solutions safer, more sustainable, and more effective.

“This partnership allows us to do exactly that — combining advanced innovation with the trusted expertise and support our fire service customers rely on.”

The company said Decontex developed the process over the past decade with academic partners.

Tommy Verminck, CEO of Decontex Holding, said: “LION’s operational excellence, deep experience and expertise and commitment to the fire service, makes this partnership truly values-aligned.

“We couldn’t think of a better partner with who to deliver our technology at scale.”

LION said the agreement forms part of its ongoing investment in PPE care and maintenance services.

Meiko expands Interschutz showcase with workshop and mobile cleaning units

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Meiko to show SCBA and PPE systems

Meiko will present new cleaning and disinfection systems for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and other personal protective equipment at Interschutz from 1 to 6 June 2026.

The company’s presence will span three exhibition areas, including stand L21 in hall 14, the open-air area between halls 11 and 12 and the outdoor venue for the FireFit European Championships between halls 7 and 9.

Stand L21 in hall 14 will include a new prototype machine for cleaning respiratory protective equipment in a footprint of less than one square metre.

The machine is intended for smaller fire services with lower throughput.

Meiko will also present new features for its TopClean range.

Its TopClean D PPE decontamination machine uses a reversing wash system to remove combustion residue from SCBA sets, and an optional brush has been added for a more thorough clean.

A prototype wastewater filter system will also be shown, designed to capture contaminants before they reach the sewerage network.

The company’s display will also show the workflow from the dirty side to the clean side of an SCBA workshop through planning examples for fire service and industrial settings.

Meiko to demonstrate mobile workshop

Meiko stated that its open-air display between halls 11 and 12 will feature a mobile SCBA workshop developed with vehicle manufacturer Mosolf.

The trailer is designed for extended incidents such as wildfires.

It is divided into a dirty side and a clean side to reduce cross-contamination.

The unit includes facilities for cleaning, disinfection, drying and testing of respiratory protective equipment.

Live demonstrations will allow visitors to watch the process and take part in individual stages.

Meiko equipment to support FireFit operations

Meiko said a transport vehicle fitted with its equipment will be used to service SCBA sets supplied to competitors at the FireFit European Championships during the fair.

The championships will take place at Interschutz, with firefighters from around the world competing in individual and team events across the event.

FireFit Europe uses the vehicle as a plug-and-play mobile SCBA workshop for around ten events each year in several countries.

The unit is designed for rapid deployment and allows equipment to be cleaned in a sheltered environment in different weather conditions.

A screen near the competition area will show real-time footage of PPE being cleaned and prepared inside the vehicle.

Visitors will also be able to enter the vehicle in small groups during breaks between events and inspect the equipment.

Appointments for meetings at the event can be booked in advance through Meiko’s Interschutz page.

Vallfirest appoints Croatia safety division partner

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Vallfirest names exclusive partner in Croatia

Vallfirest has appointed Mi Star d.o.o. as the exclusive partner for its Safety Division in Croatia.

The wildland firefighter specialist announced the agreement as part of its international expansion across European markets.

Mi Star d.o.o. will represent and distribute Vallfirest’s Safety solutions in Croatia.

The company will also provide technical knowledge and project support for local stakeholders.

Partnership strengthens Southeast Europe presence

Vallfirest said the agreement forms part of its wider international development strategy.

The partnership adds to the company’s presence in Southeast Europe and places a local partner at the centre of its Safety Division activity in Croatia.

The announcement states that the agreement is intended to support closer coordination in the market through Mi Star d.o.o.’s experience in Croatia.

Belfast Airport adds De-Wipe kits to fire-fighter decontamination protocol

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De-Wipe kits added to Belfast Airport airside procedures

Belfast International Airport has incorporated De-Wipe Airside contamination kits into updated procedures aimed at improving health and safety for its fire-fighters.

A case study published by De-Wipe describes the kits as part of a contaminant cleaning protocol used during and after every response, with the same products also used during training exercises.

All fire-fighters at Belfast International follow the updated cleaning protocol to reduce exposure to substances encountered in fire fighting environments.

The case study also notes that airports including Belfast and Manchester use De-Wipe Airside Decontamination kits for their fire and rescue teams.

Exposure risks and decontamination practice

The De-Wipe case study links the use of decontamination procedures to research indicating that airside personnel working near aircraft refuelling areas face exposure to harmful toxins.

It references research describing increased cancer risk among fire-fighters linked to repeated exposure during incidents.

The case study explains that extreme heat can make skin up to 400% more absorbent for every five degree rise in temperature, allowing carcinogens to embed more deeply.

It also cites survey data indicating that more than 4% of firefighters had a cancer diagnosis, with an age-specific cancer rate up to 323% higher among people aged 35 to 39 than the general population.

Firefighters who had served 15 years or more were described as 1.7 times more likely to develop cancer than those with shorter service.

Decontamination bags and equipment storage

De-Wipe also describes its Airside decontamination bags as storage for equipment used in the cleaning process.

The bags are designed to hold items including wipes and hair and body wash.

Equipment wash and equipment wipes are also listed among the products stored in the kits.

North West firefighters to receive Ballyclare Xenon technical rescue PPE

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Ballyclare Xenon kit rollout across North West fire services

Firefighters across the North West of England and Northern Ireland will be issued Xenon technical rescue kit supplied by Ballyclare under a joint procurement contract.

The company announced that fire and rescue services from Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland worked together on the initiative.

The collaboration represents more than 5,800 firefighters.

The specialist kit is intended for non-structural incidents such as road traffic collisions, medical emergencies and natural disasters.

Certification standards and tender specifications

The Xenon technical rescue jacket and trousers are certified to BS EN 16689 for protective clothing used in technical rescue.

The garments also meet EN ISO 15384 for wildland firefighter clothing and EN ISO 20471 for high-visibility clothing.

The ensemble uses fabrics designed to be lightweight and breathable.

The material is inherently flame retardant and resistant to repeated washing.

It also provides waterproof protection against blood pathogens, chemicals and particulates.

This version of the Xenon kit was adapted to meet the tender requirements, including the use of a bright yellow outer fabric to increase visibility during road traffic incidents.

Procurement process and supplier selection

Ballyclare was selected as the preferred supplier following a tender process that included practical user trials last year.

Fire and rescue services in the region are already familiar with the Xenon range through existing use of Xenon structural kit and a previous version of the Xenon technical rescue jacket.

Philip Tasker, Global Sales Lead for Fire and Security at Ballyclare, said: “Increasingly, fire and rescue services across the UK and Europe are investing in dedicated technical rescue kit which better suits the everyday incidents they face and prolongs the life of their structural gear.

“It’s great to see our innovative Xenon technical rescue design being put to good use by fire and rescue services across the North West and Northern Ireland.

“We’re pleased to be able to support these crews with the protection they need to carry out their operations safely.”

The contract covers the supply of technical rescue PPE to the participating services across the region.

Globe Gear Giveaway 2026 application period opens for volunteer fire departments

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Globe Gear Giveaway application period now open

The 2026 application period is now open for MSA’s Globe Gear Giveaway, which will award new Globe turnout gear and MSA Cairns helmets to selected volunteer fire departments in the US and Canada.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) said the annual programme enables eligible departments in need to apply for four sets of turnout jackets, pants and helmets.

The application period is open through noon ET on June 1.

Eligibility, awards and programme track record

The programme is in its 15th year and has provided 186 departments with 819 sets of turnouts and 364 helmets.

In 2026, 52 sets of gear will be awarded to 13 departments.

To be eligible, a department must be over 50% volunteer.

A department must serve a population of 25,000 or less.

A department must be located in the United States or Canada and be legally organised under state or province law.

The criteria states that Indian or tribal entities not organised under state or province law are eligible.

A department must have at least one active NVFC member.

To help departments meet the NVFC membership requirement, MSA will provide one year individual NVFC memberships to the first 500 applicants.

Applicants must also demonstrate a need for the gear.

NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch said: “Turnout gear is critical to the health, safety, and effectiveness of firefighters, yet there are many volunteer fire departments across the U.S. and Canada that struggle to find funding for the gear they need.

“For 15 years, this program has helped address that need and ensure more firefighters are properly equipped to serve their communities.

“We thank MSA Safety for this ongoing partnership and their commitment to supporting the volunteer fire service.”

Joann Serakowski, MSA Safety Vice President of United States and Canada Fire Business, said: “We’re proud to support firefighters who are dedicated to protecting their communities.

“Through our long-standing partnership with this program, we remain committed to helping keep firefighters safe by providing safety gear to those who need it most.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to help enhance the safety of those who serve on the front lines every day.”

John Denison, DuPont Personal Protection Market Leader, said: “Our partnership with the NVFC and MSA remains incredibly important to us, as both organizations share our passion for equipping front-line volunteers with cutting-edge gear, research-driven solutions, and ongoing education.

“DuPont proudly supports the Globe Gear Giveaway each year as part of our focused mission in the emergency response market – to develop innovative Nomex and Kevlar fibers designed to help protect firefighters who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

“Through this program, we are able to turn that mission into action by delivering gear directly to the departments that need it most.”

The NVFC said full criteria and the application form are available at www.nvfc.org/gear.

LION expands TotalCare with SuperCritical CO2 cleaning technology

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LION adds CO2 cleaning technology to TotalCare

LION Safety Solutions, a business unit of LION Group, has announced a partnership with Decontex Holding to deliver SuperCritical CO2 personal protective equipment (PPE) cleaning technology through LION TotalCare across the United States.

LION Safety Solutions said the technology will be deployed across its facilities nationwide over the next year, with installations, servicing and ongoing support managed locally through LION TotalCare in partnership with Decontex.

The company said the SuperCritical CO2 process was invented by NASA and developed by Decontex.

It added that the technology exceeds National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1850 cleaning standards, based on verification by an independent US laboratory.

Decontex has refined the process over the past decade with academic partners, according to the announcement.

The company said the system has been used to clean more than one million pieces of PPE across 16 countries to date.

Rollout and customer support details

LION said the partnership is intended to widen access to the cleaning technology through its existing PPE care and maintenance network.

The announcement states that fire departments will be able to access the system through LION TotalCare locations nationwide.

Mark Smith, CEO of LION Safety Solutions, said: “We are always seeking ways to improve how we serve our customers.

“That means developing and delivering the best technologies available and deploying them in ways that make our solutions safer, more sustainable, and more effective.

“This partnership allows us to do exactly that — combining advanced innovation with the trusted expertise and support our fire service customers rely on.”

Tommy Verminck, CEO of Decontex Holding, said: “LION’s operational excellence, deep experience and expertise and commitment to the fire service, makes this partnership truly values-aligned.

“We couldn’t think of a better partner with who to deliver our technology at scale.”

LION said the partnership is the next step in its TotalCare programme and its wider PPE cleaning and maintenance work.

Milliken says independent testing supports non-PFAS turnout gear evaluation efforts

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsHealth and SafetyPPE

Milliken turnout gear testing and reported results

Independent laboratory testing has found no detectable PFAS in samples of Milliken fabrics used in firefighter turnout gear, based on analysis conducted by Forever Analytical.

The company said it engaged the independent laboratory specialising in screening products and environmental samples for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to test fabric samples representing all three layers of turnout gear.

Samples of Milliken Assure (moisture barrier), Milliken Horizon (outer shell) and Milliken Equinox (thermal liner) were tested in December 2025.

Forever Analytical screened the textile samples for total fluorine as an indicator of PFAS and for bromine as an indicator of brominated flame retardants.

Across all samples tested, fluorine levels were below the laboratory’s method detection limit.

Bromine was not detected above the laboratory’s reporting threshold of 100 parts per million in any sample tested.

“We’re talking to department leaders every week, and in recent months we’ve seen an increase in questions about transitioning to non-PFAS materials,” said Marcio Manique, SVP and Managing Director for Milliken’s apparel business.

“While we have full confidence in our internal testing and NFPA certifications, we also know that independent data would give the industry added confidence as departments evaluate newer, non-PFAS materials.”

Report access and company statements on PFAS

Milliken said it will make the reports available to any fire department that requests a review of the findings through its website.

Requests must include ‘Forever Analytical’ in the request for the reports, the company said.

Milliken said it supplied materials for transitions to non-PFAS turnout gear including the San Francisco Fire Department and East Providence Fire Department.

Milliken said it works with every major turnout gear manufacturer and supports departments across the United States.

PFAS have drawn increased attention within the fire service due to reports of their persistence in the environment and potential health impacts.

As of January 2026, 18 states have introduced or adopted legislation addressing the acknowledgement, purchase and use of PFAS in firefighter gear.

Milliken said it removed the use of PFAS in fabrics developed for the fire service industry in 2021 and that its non-PFAS fabrics are available through every major turnout gear manufacturer.