EIR Request 2277

Subject: Use of AFFF and Fluorinated Fire-Fighting Foams

Status: Complete

Date received: January 2026

Question Asked:

This is a request for information made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and relates specifically to the Fire & Rescue Service

I am seeking information relating to the use, procurement, and management of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) or other fluorinated fire-fighting foams by your Fire and Rescue Service.

Please provide the following information, insofar as it is held:

1. Whether your Service has ever used AFFF or other fluorinated fire-fighting foams (including PFAS-containing foams), and if so, the approximate dates of use.

2. The types or product names of any such foams used, where recorded.

3. Any policies, guidance, or risk assessments held relating to the use, storage, disposal, or environmental impact of these foams.

4. The date (or approximate period) when your Service first became aware of potential environmental or health risks associated with AFFF or fluorinated fire-fighting foams.

5. Whether your Service has ceased using AFFF or fluorinated foams, and if so, when and why.

Our Response:

Please see our response below to your Freedom of Information Request.

1. Whether your Service has ever used AFFF or other fluorinated fire-fighting foams (including PFAS-containing foams), and if so, the approximate dates of use.

For the period 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2025 Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service used foam on the following occasions:

2. The types or product names of any such foams used, where recorded.

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service currently hold the following foam related products:

• vaPUREX AR 1/3 F-5

• Alcoseal 3/6 AR-AFFF

• Freegen SF - LV 3F Synthetic Foam Concentrate

Details held on COSHH register, inventories

3. Any policies, guidance, or risk assessments held relating to the use, storage, disposal, or environmental impact of these foams.

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Services Environmental Policy

Equipment Order and Standard Test for the Services Foam Branchpipes and Variable Inline Inductor.

National Operational Guidance Standard Operating Procedure:

• 6.4.0 Environmental Protection

• 4.1.0 Hazardous Materials

• 6.4.0 Environmental Protection

4. The date (or approximate period) when your Service first became aware of potential environmental or health risks associated with AFFF or fluorinated fire-fighting foams.

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Services Health and Safety Department were made aware of the potential environmental or health risks associated with AFFF or fluorinated fire-fighting foams in October 2023.

5. Whether your Service has ceased using AFFF or fluorinated foams, and if so, when and why.

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service are nearing the end of a project to replace all AFFF or fluorinated foams due to changes in legislation. The phase-out of PFAS in firefighting foams in the EU is governed by REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and mirrored in the UK under UK REACH, established by The Chemicals (Health and Safety) and REACH etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, with specific restrictions on PFAS. This replacement is also part of our moral and professional obligation to protect the environment.

As an organisation, we replaced what we refer to as the bulk foam on our operational foam tender in June 2025 with a purchase of 1,000 litres of vaPUREX AR 1/3 Alcohol Resistant Foam Concentrate, a new generation of readily biodegradable foam free of organic fluorine compounds.

Concerning the foam carried on frontline operational appliances, as of this date we are still carrying AFFF. However, in 2025 we purchased 96 x 20L drums of Freegen SF - LV 3F foam, a modern, fluorine-free firefighting foam concentrate designed to effectively suppress fires without using PFAS or other harmful fluorinated compounds. The foam replacement process is scheduled for completion by 31st January.

The old stock of foam will be disposed of through an approved company.

Outcome: Information Provided

FOI responded to within timescales: YES

Further action: NO