The Madison Fire Department has replaced its firefighting foam with foams that have shown to be PFAS-free, becoming the first major city in the state to make the change.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of chemicals known as PFAS, have contaminated wells, groundwater and waterways in Madison. Research has linked PFAS health issues such as birth defects, thyroid issues and cancer.
As of Friday, every Madison fire engine switched to the new firefighting foams. Chief Steven Davis said the change was made after foam used to put out the explosion at substations for American Transmission Co. and Madison Gas and Electric this summer tested positive for PFAS. Since then, Davis has directed the department to avoid using the foam until it was replaced.