Butte files lawsuit against companies accused of making harmful firefighting gear

Butte-Silver Bow County in Montana is now part of a legal battle against the makers of firefighting suits that are suspected of containing harmful forever chemicals. The county attorney, Matt Enrooth, shared how important it was for them to take swift action when such issues arise. He revealed that they were approached by legal firms from Kalispell, Billings, and an out-of-state firm with expertise in federal cases.

In a unanimous vote on April 2, the Butte-Silver Bow County commissioners decided to represent the class in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court against the manufacturers of the fire gear. Enrooth mentioned that similar PFAS litigation cases are ongoing across the country, highlighting the widespread issue of these persistent chemical compounds found in various products.

PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, are synthetic compounds that do not break down easily and have been detected in everyday items like carpets, shampoos, and even firefighting gear. Enrooth pointed out the risks posed by PFAS, especially to firefighters who constantly come into contact with these chemicals, potentially increasing their chances of developing cancer.

Attorneys representing Butte-Silver Bow County emphasized that over a million firefighters are at risk due to their exposure to PFAS while on duty, with up to 70% predicted to die from cancer. The law firm, Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, based in Seattle, Washington, accused the gear manufacturers of concealing the risks associated with PFAS while failing to offer safer alternatives, despite their feasibility.

Enrooth expressed hope that the lawsuit would lead to the replacement of nearly 174 sets of turnout gear for their fire department to mitigate the risks associated with PFAS exposure. The lawsuit estimated the cost of replacing firefighter turnout suits to be around $3000 each, with the total replacement costs for Butte’s firefighters reaching approximately $500,000.

Steve Berman, the managing partner at Hagens Berman, highlighted the financial burden on fire departments to replace turnout gear upon discovering the dangers of PFAS. He emphasized the need for support to help these first responders who risk their lives to keep communities safe. The lawsuit aims to hold gear manufacturers accountable for their role in exposing firefighters to harmful chemicals and failing to provide safer alternatives.