PFAS Contamination at Fire Academies and Training Facilities
Across the country, fire academies and training facilities have become sites of significant environmental contamination due to decades of use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a fire suppression agent containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS refers to a family of synthetic chemicals that are classified as possible human carcinogens, and have been linked to serious health risks in those exposed over time. Despite decades of mounting evidence of their toxicity, manufacturers continued to produce and sell AFFF products without adequately warning the public of the dangers of exposure.
Fire Academy Use of AFFF
Since the 1960s, AFFF has been used extensively by the military, municipal fire departments, airports, and fire training centers for both active fire suppression and routine training exercises. Fire academies in particular discharged large quantities of AFFF, specifically in the completion of practice drills designed to simulate fuel-based fires and emergency response scenarios. Over many years of training, these activities resulted in the continuous discharge of AFFF directly into the soil and groundwater surrounding these facilities – places located, in many cases, in residential areas. Unlike fires in controlled environments, training exercises often produced uncontrolled releases of foam, amplifying environmental contamination. It is safe to assume that these training sessions, often conducted multiple times per week over the course of months or years, cumulatively released millions of gallons of toxic foam into the environment.
Known Health Risks Associated with PFAS
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are known for their persistence. They do not break down in the environment or the human body. Once inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, PFAS accumulate in the body and in nature over time, increasing the likelihood of developing consequences. In 2020, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified PFAS chemicals as possible human carcinogens. Further research has linked PFAS exposure to cancers and serious illnesses including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer and disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Despite decades of internal studies and warnings from experts, chemical manufacturers failed to disclose the true dangers of their products. As a result, countless firefighters and community members living near fire academies have been put at risk without their knowledge.
Environmental Impact of Fire Academy Contamination
The environmental consequences of AFFF use at fire academies are widespread and devastating. PFAS compounds released into the soil during training sessions seep into groundwater supplies, contaminating local drinking water sources with carcinogenic chemicals. Surface water, rivers, and lakes near fire academies have also shown elevated levels of PFAS, impacting ecosystems and human health alike.
The contamination at these sites mirrors patterns seen at military bases and airports, demonstrating the systemic negligence of manufacturers who prioritized profits over public safety. Fire academies and training facilities, many operating under the belief that AFFF was a safe and effective tool, are now left grappling with extensive soil and water contamination to their property that will require costly remediation efforts.
Legal Action for Fire Academies Exposed to AFFF and PFAS
At Keefe Law Firm, we have been actively engaged in the national AFFF Multi-District Litigation (MDL) based in Charleston, South Carolina, since 2019. Our team represents hundreds of individuals — firefighters, military service members, veterans, airport workers, and others — who have suffered serious illnesses due to exposure to PFAS-containing AFFF products. In addition, we represent municipalities across New Jersey whose drinking water systems have been contaminated by PFAS runoff, pursuing claims for costly remediation and future protections for their communities.
Now, we are expanding our advocacy to include fire academies and training facilities impacted by decades of AFFF discharge. Fire academies were never warned of the dangers inherent in these products. Relying on the assurances — or the lack of any warnings — from manufacturers, these facilities unknowingly exposed their grounds, staff, trainees, and surrounding communities to serious toxic hazards. Today, many fire academies face widespread PFAS contamination on their properties, posing health risks, environmental challenges, and significant financial burdens associated with cleanup and future monitoring.
We firmly believe that these institutions, like affected municipalities, are entitled to pursue legal claims to recover the costs of necessary environmental remediation and to hold chemical manufacturers accountable for knowingly distributing hazardous materials without adequate safety disclosures. Through litigation, fire academies may be able to secure the resources needed to assess contamination, implement cleanup efforts, and protect the safety of their students, employees, and neighboring residents for years to come.
Keefe Law Firm stands ready to provide experienced counsel, strategic guidance, and vigorous advocacy for fire academies and other training facilities affected by PFAS contamination. Our deep involvement in PFAS-related litigation positions us uniquely to help educational and training institutions seek the justice they deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you are a representative of a fire academy, training center, or related facility that has used or disposed of AFFF products and are concerned about PFAS contamination, now is the time to act. Environmental testing, legal preservation, and remediation planning are critical first steps — and the sooner these efforts begin, the stronger your potential claims for recovery will be.
At Keefe Law Firm, our experienced team of attorneys can help guide you through the legal and scientific complexities surrounding PFAS contamination and AFFF exposure. We offer free, confidential consultations to assess your situation, discuss potential legal remedies, and answer any questions you may have about protecting your facility and your community.
To schedule a consultation or learn more about your legal options, contact Keefe Law Firm today. We are committed to holding chemical manufacturers accountable and to helping fire academies and other impacted facilities seek justice for decades of negligence.