Fireground contaminants do not stay on the fireground. Soot, VOCs, PFAS and other toxins travel with firefighters long after the call is over, settling into gear, truck cabs, seats, tools, personal vehicles and common areas inside the station. Over time, this creates continuous exposure risks for crews, families and community spaces.

Routine decontamination is no longer limited to turnout coats and pants. A complete approach includes gear, the apparatus cab, equipment and the station itself. Departments that build decon into every stage of response and recovery create safer working environments and reduce long-term cancer risk.

Start with on-scene decon

Decontamination begins before anyone returns to the station. Quick actions make a significant difference in reducing what is carried back inside the cab.

On-scene priorities include:

• Wiping skin and exposed areas immediately after exiting the hazard zone

• Using wipes on helmets, gloves, SCBAs and tools to remove surface soot

• Bagging contaminated gear before placing it in compartments or the cab

• Keeping clean and dirty zones separate on scene

These steps reduce cross-contamination early and prevent fireground toxins from spreading downstream.

Protect the cab, the “first stop” for contamination

The firetruck cab is one of the most overlooked sources of secondary exposure. Gear, gloves and tools brought inside the cab shed particulates into seats, handles, HVAC systems and flooring.

Best practices include:

• Never transporting soiled gear unbagged in the cab

• Keeping wipes available in every rig for immediate cleanup

• Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces like seats, dashboards, grab handles and door panels

• Vacuuming with HEPA filtration to remove trapped particulates

• Establishing a standing schedule for cab interior decon

A cleaner cab reduces contamination transfer into the station and personal vehicles.

Decon at the station, reducing what firefighters bring home

Once crews return to quarters, station decon becomes the final barrier between contaminants and long-term exposure.

Station best practices include:

• Having a designated turnout gear drop zone separate from living spaces

• Avoiding wearing contaminated gear into kitchens, bunk rooms or offices

• Cleaning tools and equipment before storing them

• Frequently disinfecting high-traffic common areas

• Maintaining airflow and proper ventilation in gear storage rooms

• Ensuring contaminated gear is processed quickly instead of sitting for days

These habits help prevent carcinogens from settling into surfaces, fabrics and shared environments.

Gear cleaning, the most important layer of defense

Turnout gear remains the single biggest carrier of toxic residue, and routine cleaning is essential. Departments should reinforce:

• Routine cleaning after every exposure

• Advanced cleaning twice a year or more often when needed

• Avoiding at-home washing or unverified cleaning methods

• Regular inspection to identify damage or persistent contamination

• Using cleaning services that are NFPA 1851 verified

Liquid CO2+ cleaning from ETD removes PFAS and other harmful chemicals at industry-leading rates, while preserving the strength and performance of the gear.

Build a culture, not a checklist

Routine decon only works when it becomes part of the department’s culture. When crews see decon as an extension of firefighter health and readiness, compliance becomes natural, not forced. Strong SOPs, clear workflows and ongoing education help departments create cleaner stations, cleaner trucks and safer gear.

Protect your crews with a comprehensive decontamination strategy that extends far beyond basic gear washing. Contact Emergency Technical Decon to schedule a cleaning, request a department consultation or learn more about how our Liquid CO2+ process supports year-round firefighter health.