New Year, New Gear: Setting the Stage for Firefighter Safety in 2025 

By Mike Duyck, President, Emergency Technical Decon 

As we welcome 2025, fire service leaders and crews across the country are gearing up for more than just another year of calls and challenges. This year brings updated standards, practices, and expectations that will shape how we protect those who protect us. Let’s dive into what’s ahead and what it means for firefighter turnout gear and operational safety. 

Elevated Standards: A Commitment to Safety 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced updates to its NFPA 1971 and 1851 standards, emphasizing enhanced performance requirements for turnout gear. These updates prioritize: 

• Improved Heat Resistance: New materials are being integrated into gear design to ensure greater protection against extreme temperatures, offering better insulation without adding unnecessary weight. 

• Enhanced Contaminant Control: Reflecting the growing focus on firefighter health, updated gear designs include advanced barriers that minimize exposure to carcinogens and hazardous substances. 

• Fit and Ergonomics: Addressing the need for mobility, manufacturers are adopting tailored designs to accommodate diverse body types while maintaining safety integrity. 

The growing concern over PFAS and other toxins in firefighting gear has moved beyond industry discussions to become an mainstream issue, with new standards aiming to protect firefighters from these harmful chemicals. The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) have applauded these advancements, recognizing them as critical steps forward in protecting both lives and livelihoods. 

Operational Practices for 2025: What Departments Need to Know 

The fire service is evolving, not just in gear but in how we operate. For 2025, the focus is on standardized decontamination practices and personal accountability for health and safety. 

• Decontamination as Standard Procedure: Departments are expected to implement more rigorous post-incident decontamination protocols. This includes utilizing on-scene wipes, secondary gear storage solutions, and routine cleaning schedules per NFPA 1851 guidelines. 

• Data-Driven Health Monitoring: The IAFF’s latest initiatives emphasize tracking health metrics to identify trends and address risks early. Wearable technology integrated into turnout gear is emerging, enabling real-time monitoring of physiological conditions during calls. 

• Education and Training: Updated training materials from the NFPA and other organizations will roll out, focusing on new gear functionality, maintenance, and the importance of consistent decontamination efforts. 

Setting Expectations: What Firefighters Should Know 

While the advancements in firefighter turnout gear are a leap forward, it’s essential to set realistic expectations: 

1. Adoption Timelines: Not every department will see immediate upgrades. Budget cycles, procurement processes, and supply chain realities mean some agencies may phase in new gear over several years. 

2. Care Requirements: The sophistication of new materials demands a higher level of care and maintenance. Regular inspections and adherence to cleaning protocols will be critical to ensuring longevity and performance. 

3. Adaptation Periods: Firefighters may require time to adjust to the new fit and functionality of gear. Departments should plan for training sessions to ease the transition. 

Forward Into 2025 

The fire service has always been one of collaboration and resilience. The new standards and practices for 2025 underscore the shared commitment to prioritizing firefighter safety and health. As we adapt to these changes, let us remember that each improvement—from enhanced gear to stricter decontamination practices—represents a step toward a safer future for all. 

At Emergency Technical Decon, we remain dedicated to supporting departments in navigating these changes. Our team is here to provide the resources, expertise, and tools needed to meet the new standards and ensure that every firefighter returns home safely after each call. Together, we can make 2025 a year of progress and protection. 

Let’s keep the conversation going. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Emergency Technical Decon to dig into the numbers and better understand how to exceed your department’s gear decontamination needs with some of the best-in-class solutions out there on the market today.