A film about the dangers of PFAS in bunker gear showing in Miami Aug. 2

IAFF members and the public have an opportunity to see a showing of BURNED: Protecting the Protectors.

July 24 • 2024

The documentary film that helped ignite the movement to get PFAS out of fire fighter turnout gear returns for a special showing and information session next week.  

“BURNED: Protecting the Protectors” will be hosted by Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403 Fire Tower Miami in Doral, Florida, on Friday, Aug. 2 at 4 p.m. This free event is sponsored by IAFF, Life Scan Wellness Centers, Local 1403, Ethereal Films, and the Last Call Foundation.  

Those interested in attending can get their free ticket here. 

“Our members understand all too well the dangers we face every day on the job. That should not include PFAS, a known carcinogen, in our bunker gear,” Local 1403 President William McAllister said. “Educating our members and the community at large is key to finding ways to make fire fighters safer on the job. That is why we decided to show the film and have experts on hand to provide more information.” 
 
The 30-minute film profiles Diane Cotter who suspected forever chemicals were present in turnout gear after her husband, retired Worcester, MA Local 1009 fire fighter Paul Cotter, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2014. 
  

Ethereal Films Founder/Director Elijah Yetter-Bowman met the Cotters while making GenX, a documentary about the PFAS public health crisis. And he said he felt compelled to tell their story so people in positions to make change would take action to better protect fire fighters from PFAS.  
 
“The fastest way to stop this hidden epidemic in the fire service is to talk about it. Forever chemicals are one of the most dangerous chemical families ever invented and should have never been part of fire fighter turnout gear,” Yetter-Bowman said. “It’s been an honor to share this story with so many departments and witness the strong demand for change. The more eyes on this, the faster we can end this health crisis.” 

“The fastest way to stop this hidden epidemic in the fire service is to talk about it. Forever chemicals are one of the most dangerous chemical families ever invented and should have never been part of fire fighter turnout gear. It’s been an honor to share this story with so many departments and witness the strong demand for change. The more eyes on this, the faster we can end this health crisis.” 

Ethereal Films Founder/Director Elijah Yetter-Bowman

After the film’s showing, attendees will hear about the progress being made to get PFAS out fire fighter gear from subject-matter experts, including Yetter-Bowman, Last Call Foundation Executive Director Jason Burns, Dr. Kate Kapala (IAFF), Dr. Alberto Caban-Martinex (University of Miami), and Diane Cotter. 

Burns, a member of Fall River, MA Local 1314, was interviewed for the film. He says the film’s message is critical for fire fighters to hear so action can be taken.  
 
 “Cancer is one of the leading causes of fire fighter death. It is imperative that fire fighters watch the film and gain some insight into the dangers they face from PFAS use in our bunker gear,” said Burns. “Armed with this information, they should be able to plan for preventative measures to reduce exposure and hopefully prevent a cancer diagnosis.” 

This film premiered at the IAFF’s Affiliate Leadership Training Summit on Jan. 30, 2023. Amazing progress has been made since then. 
 
Several turnout gear manufacturers have incorporated a non-fluorinated moisture barrier, along with a PFAS-free repellent outer shell coating, a crucial step in removing PFAS from all three levels of fire fighter gear. The IAFF is currently field-testing these.  
 
Meanwhile, several IAFF locals, including Vancouver, BC Local 18, Concord, NH Local 1045, and San Francisco, CA Local 798, are in the process of transitioning to PFAS-free gear on the job.