FOI Request 2300

Subject: Fire Training Sites using AFF Foam (2015-2026)

Status: Complete

Date received: February 2026

Question Asked:

I am requesting information about fire training sites where AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) has been used.

What I need:

1. Fire training facility locations:

• Address and postcode (or grid reference)

• Years operational

2. AFFF foam usage:

• AFFF products used (2015-2026)

• Date transitioned to fluorine-free foam (if applicable)

• Whether PFOS/PFOA-containing foam was used

3. Environmental monitoring (if conducted):

• Any soil or groundwater PFAS testing results

• Sample dates and locations.

Time period: 2015 to February 2026.

Our Response:

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

1. Fire training facility locations:

• Address and postcode (or grid reference)

• Years operational

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service

Operational Training

Headquarters

Sadler Road

Winsford

CW7 2FQ

Years operational - The training site has been operation pre-2015.

2. AFFF foam usage:

• AFFF products used (2015-2026)

  During this time period no AFFF products were utilised for training purposes.

• Date transitioned to fluorine-free foam (if applicable)

  Cheshire adopted a two-phase approach to fluorine-free foam. The first phase was completed in June 2025 with the purchase of 1,000 litres of vaPUREX AR 1/3 Alcohol Resistant Foam Concentrate. The second phase was completed in January 2026 with the purchase of 96 x 20L drums of Freegen SF - LV 3F foam.

• Whether PFOS/PFOA-containing foam was used

  During this time no PFOS/PFOA-containing foam products were utilised for training purposes.

3. Environmental monitoring (if conducted):

• Any soil or groundwater PFAS testing results

• Sample dates and locations.

No environmental monitoring was conducted due to the non-use of AFFF products and PFOS/PFOA-containing foam products.

Outcome: Information Provided

FOI responded to within timescales: YES

Further action: NO