Firefighting Foams and Substances
Where applicable, we publish responses to requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This one, Firefighting Foams and Substances, is detailed below.
Other FOI's
Ref: FOI/22037
RE: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 REQUEST
West Midlands Fire Service has now completed its search for the information requested
Please find below a summary of our findings.
Request.
I am requesting freedom of information from your fire service to request whether your fire service has ever used Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) for firefighting purposes?
Reply
We only hold information from 1990 onwards and therefore cannot confirm or deny if WMFS PFAS for firefighting purposes.
Request
What firefighting foam/s system/s did your fire service use?
Reply
Alcohol Type Concentrate which is provided by Angus Fire Tridol 3-3 C6 in our bulk foam carrier
Niagara C6 in our PRL’s (100L) this is detergent free
Expandol for Hi Expansion Foam (Fluorine Free so no PFOS or PFAS)
Please note: Our C6 foams contain no PFOA and no PFOS, in accordance with US EPA Stewardship Programme 2010/15 and EU Directive 2006/122/EC and amended Council Directive 76/769/EEC
Request
If available what type of PFAS were these foams?
Reply
As above
Request
What dilution was used in firefighting foams by your fire service?
Reply
Dilution is at 3% final product.
All our current foams are fluorine free, as such do not contain PFAS or PFOS
Request
When did the West Midlands fire service start using current foam in operations?
Reply
From 1990
Request
Does your fire service have a current policy regarding PFAS firefighting foams?
Reply
No, as we do not use PFAS foam, to ensure compliance with EU Directive 2006/122/EC and amended 76/769/EEC
Request
Does your fire service have a policy regarding the disposal of PFAS firefighting foams held by your fire service?
Reply
As we don’t use PFAS foam this is not relevant, however in the event that we do need to arrange disposal this is done in consultation with our Disposal Officer and Procurement Team. Disposal is done in consultation with a waste contractor which may include high temperature incineration
Request
Do you have stock information on the PFAS containing products? Can you please share this information as far back as possible?
Reply
None
If you have any queries about this freedom of information request, please contact us. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.
For service complaints, issues or comments regarding this request please contact The Public Relations Department, West Midlands Fire Service, 99 Vauxhall Road, Birmingham, B7 4HW
Further information concerning Freedom of Information requests can be found on the Information Commissioner website at either the following link: https://ico.org.uk/ or at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF.