BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham’s firefighters are getting new gear without certain kinds of harmful chemicals.

The city council approved the purchase for PFAS-free Response Gear during an evening meeting on Monday, Jan. 27.

PFAS are a class of toxic chemicals that don’t naturally break down for at least centuries, earning the nickname “forever chemicals.” Assistant Fire Chief Dave Pethick explained earlier in the day that there is not yet a replacement material for the PFAS, which protects against heat and other materials.

The new gear will be used when fighting outdoor fires and the older, PFAS gear will be used while fighting structure fires. Bellingham firefighters will be outfitted with the new gear by the end of this June.