Firefighter Safety Means More Than Surviving the Flames

When people think about wildland firefighter safety, they usually imagine the obvious dangers such as flames, falling trees, aircraft accidents, or thick smoke. But many of the most serious threats to wildland firefighters are far less visible. Firefighters already face enormous physical and mental stress from long seasons, low wages, time away from family, and exposure to traumatic scenes. On top of that, research is revealing a disturbing truth: the gear they wear and the food they eat on the job may also be exposing them to toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other serious illnesses.

Feb. 2026 article from ProPublica

PFAS in Firefighter PPE

Recent studies have found that some firefighter protective clothing, including Nomex uniforms, can contain PFAS, a group of chemicals often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. PFAS are used to make fabrics water-resistant, but they have also been linked to cancer and other diseases. Researchers have found measurable PFAS in many samples of firefighter gear, and firefighters have been shown to carry higher levels of these chemicals in their blood than the general public. These toxins can potentially enter the body through inhalation, dust, or even through hot, sweaty skin during long shifts on the fireline.

Poor Nutrition

At the same time, firefighters may also be ingesting harmful substances through the food rations they depend on during long runs. Reports of contaminated or poor-quality food including “mystery meat,” moldy supplies, and rations containing heavy metals raise serious concerns about how we fuel the people risking their lives to protect communities. Add in smoke from burning homes containing synthetic, petrochemical materials, diesel exhaust from engines and equipment, and extreme heat on the fireline, and it becomes clear that firefighters are facing a complex web of occupational health hazards.

“Type 1 fire incident camp food in central CA.” Source: Reddit

“This is the "vegetarian" sandwich for lunch...while on a fire, while working 16 hour days.” Source: Reddit

At FUSEE, we believe firefighters are essential, not expendable, workers. It is not absolutely unacceptable that so many firefighters develop cancer or other chronic illnesses from doing their jobs. We are beginning new education and advocacy work focused on firefighter health and wellness, including supporting research on toxins in gear and food and collaborating with partners to develop an effective advocacy strategy. Our goal is simple: firefighters should not have to sacrifice their long-term health to protect our communities. Removing toxic chemicals from uniforms and improving the quality and safety of firefighter food are common-sense steps and we are pushing to change.

Find resources and research on wildland firefighter health and wellness.