A new year always brings a renewed focus on health, readiness and operational safety. For firefighters, that commitment extends far beyond fitness goals or training priorities, because the gear you wear every shift carries the invisible weight of every fire you have fought. No matter how new your calendar is, your turnout gear still holds the residue, toxins and exposures of last year.
This is why “New Year, Same Gear” is more than a slogan. It is a reminder that gear cleaning is not seasonal. It is a year-round responsibility that protects firefighter health, supports compliance and extends the life of the equipment crews depend on.
The risk does not reset in January
Fireground contaminants accumulate with every response. Soot, smoke particles, volatile organic compounds and PFAS can linger long after a call ends and continue transferring to skin, vehicles, stations and even homes. Cancer remains the leading cause of firefighter line-of-duty death, and consistent decontamination is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure.
A new year does not erase the contaminants embedded in gear fibers. Routine cleaning, proper storage and consistent inspection help create healthier baselines for the entire department.
What has changed in NFPA standards
The newest editions of NFPA 1851 and NFPA 1971 continue moving the fire service toward stricter cleaning, inspection and testing protocols. Key updates highlight the importance of:
- More frequent routine cleaning
- Stronger emphasis on advanced cleanings performed by verified providers
- Documentation requirements that track every wash, repair and inspection
- Greater focus on reducing PFAS exposure and removing persistent contaminants
- Verification of cleaning methods that protect the structural integrity of gear
Departments can no longer treat annual or infrequent cleanings as acceptable. The standards make it clear that turnout gear must be regularly cleaned, inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer and NFPA requirements.
“Same gear” means the same responsibility
Whether your department receives new gear this year or continues using existing sets, ongoing decontamination is essential. Turnout gear is an investment, both financially and in its role protecting firefighters in high-risk environments. Keeping it clean, properly tested and structurally sound helps ensure it performs as intended when it matters most.
Consistent habits matter, including:
- Wipes on scene
- Bagging contaminated gear before transport
- Routine cleaning after every exposure
- Advanced cleaning performed at least twice a year, and more often when needed
- Thorough inspections for damage, wear and carcinogen buildup
- Avoiding at-home washing and unverified cleaning methods
Gear does not get a fresh start because the new year begins. The responsibility remains the same.
Start the year with better data, better habits and better health
Firefighter wellness is built through consistency. A new year is the perfect time to review your department’s decon practices, update SOPs and ensure that every firefighter understands the role that cleaning and inspections play in long-term cancer prevention.
Emergency Technical Decon supports departments in this work with NFPA 1851 verified cleaning that removes harmful chemicals, including PFAS, at industry-leading rates. Our Liquid CO2+ process eliminates contaminants while protecting the strength and integrity of your gear, giving firefighters a safer foundation every time they respond.
Start the year with safer gear and stronger decon practices. Contact Emergency Technical Decon today to schedule a pickup or learn how our Liquid CO2+ cleaning helps reduce exposure and extend the life of your turnout gear.
