KENTUCKY (WKYT) – A new soy-based firefighting foam is now available to rural fire departments across Kentucky through a grant program supporters say offers a safer option for firefighters and the environment.
The Kentucky Soybean Board is providing rural volunteer departments up to $1,000 in reimbursement, covering half the cost of switching from traditional firefighting foams that contain PFAS chemicals.
Jeff King, a 34-year firefighter and soybean farmer, said many conventional foams include PFAS and fluorants.
“PFAS is a forever chemical that has been proven to contaminate ground and groundwater and potentially cause cancer,” King said.
King said his rural Kentucky department became the first in the country to transition بالكامل to soy-based foam after testing it in live-fire scenarios. Since then, more than 150 departments in 29 states have adopted the product.
The soy-based alternative does not contain PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” King said the product impressed him during testing.
“I got to demo it. See the presentation. Actually, put the hose in my hand and put some fires out with this product and was very much impressed,” King said.
The foam can combat everything from structural fires to flammable liquid fires. King explained that it works on two classes of fires.
“Class A for your natural wood, grasses, house fires, and class B’s, which are your fuels. So in one product you can control two classes of fires,” King said.
The product does not require new equipment and biodegrades within days.
Benefits Beyond Firefighting
King said the foam also supports soybean farmers as new tariffs force the industry to adapt.
“I’m sure you’ve heard with the trade issues going on and China not purchasing as much as they have in the past, we’re going to be relying on ourselves to come up and find new and different uses,” King said.
Departments interested in the program can contact the Kentucky Soybean Board or the Kentucky Fire Commission for more information. The reimbursement program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and runs through December 31 or until funds are exhausted.
“As a firefighter knowing what this product will do, I would love to see my brothers and sisters change over to this because I know they’re not going to get sick from potentially handling this product,” King said.
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