The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have launched the Fortifying Infrastructure for Responsible Extinguishment (FIRE) project, a major initiative to eliminate toxic firefighting foams at airports in Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. The $82.5 million project, supported by a $10 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and $72.5 million in co-financing, aims to phase out firefighting foams containing PFAS, harmful “forever chemicals” linked to severe health and environmental risks.
The FIRE project is designed to replace PFAS-based foams with safer, fluorine-free alternatives while ensuring operational safety standards are upheld at participating airports. This transition will support the safe removal of 4,500 tonnes of PFAS-contaminated materials from fire trucks and the disposal of 130 tonnes of foam concentrate, addressing one of the most harmful sources of chemical pollution in the aviation sector. UNEP officials highlighted that the initiative demonstrates how environmental protection and business viability can be advanced simultaneously through sustainable solutions.
Government representatives and project partners have underscored the significance of this effort for both public health and environmental protection. Kenya’s Airport Authority noted the project as a crucial step in safeguarding communities and contributing to a cleaner future, while ICAO emphasized its commitment to promoting sustainable firefighting practices worldwide. Officials stressed that the initiative supports the wider adoption of safe, accessible alternatives to PFAS foams, setting an important precedent for global aviation.
The FIRE project also reflects broader international commitments to eliminate persistent organic pollutants. Experts warn that PFAS represents a growing “invisible pollution time bomb” that demands urgent, coordinated global action. By targeting firefighting foams—a high-risk source of PFAS exposure—the initiative aligns with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, fostering multilateral cooperation, innovation, and systemic change. Implemented by UNEP, executed by ICAO, and funded by the GEF, the project forms part of a global strategy to reduce chemical risks to human health and the environment.
