By Chris Vetter
The Leader-Telegram
MENOMONIE, Wis. — Legislation that supports the use of soybean-based fire suppression products was signed into law Thursday, advancing an innovative solution that strengthens public safety while also supporting Wisconsin agriculture, as farmers have struggled to sell their products to foreign markets.
Soybeans can be used to make a ‘soy foam’ that is free of PFAS “forever chemicals” that would be used in firefighting.
The law, signed by Gov. Tony Evers, allows fire departments to use existing state grant funding to purchase fire suppression products derived from soybeans. By expanding eligibility within the Department of Natural Resources’ fire suppression grant program, the law gives departments more flexibility to adopt newer, safer technologies as they update equipment and respond to evolving safety standards. Fire departments may use grant funds to cover up to 50% of the cost of soybean-derived fire suppressants, in addition to fire-resistant clothing and equipment.
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State Rep. Clint Moses (R- Menomonie ) introduced the bill, and he joined Evers at the bill-signing ceremony. He noted that the Chippewa Valley Technical College was already studying soybean-based fire suppressants and he read about the positives of the product.
“It’s proven to be quite effective, even in cold temperatures,” Moses told the Leader-Telegram. “It frees up local fire departments to (purchase) it. It’s also good for the farmers, because it’s another market for selling their soybeans.”
Moses came across a European trade publication highlighting the development of plant-based firefighting alternatives, and saw the positives for both firefighters and farmers.
“After reading about this innovation, it was clear Wisconsin was well-positioned to use these products,” Moses said in his press release touting the measure. “We have the farmers, the research, and the need for safer alternatives — this bill brings those pieces together.”
Traditional firefighting foams have often relied on chemicals that raise environmental and health concerns, particularly for firefighters and water systems. Soybean-based alternatives offer a biodegradable, non-toxic option that can reduce long-term impacts while still meeting performance needs in fire suppression. Soy-based and other PFAS-free fire suppression alternatives are already being evaluated and used in fire service applications across Wisconsin. This work ensures that soy-based suppression agents meet the operational needs of fire departments while maintaining strong safety and environmental standards.
“It’s a straightforward idea with real benefits, and I’m proud to see it signed into law,” Moses said.
Moses noted the measure is backed by the Wisconsin Soybean Association.
U.S. farmers grew $60.7 billion worth of soybeans, or nearly 4.3 billion bushels, in the 2022-2023 marketing year, according to the American Soybean Association. Just over half were exported.
In past years, China has purchased about $12 billion worth of U.S. soybeans. However, that country has put a 20% retaliatory tariff on U.S. soybeans.
The forest fire suppression grant program dollars are available to cities, villages, towns, counties and fire suppression organizations that enter into a written agreement to assist DNR in the suppression of forest fires when requested. A total of $448,000 in forestry grants are available for these grants in each year of the 2025-27 biennium, which may be supplemented by federal funds received through the DNR.
Traditional firefighting foams have contained PFAS chemicals that not only persist in the environment but have been linked to an increased cancer risks for firefighters. The Firefighter Cancer Support Network reports that firefighters nationwide have a 68% higher chance of getting cancer than the average person.
In 2020, the DNR banned the use of PFAS-based firefighting foams, the data from Moses’ office states. But fire departments have struggled to find suitable replacements due to the effectiveness of the foams at putting out severe liquid fuel fires.
Ten fire departments in Wisconsin currently use soy foam. This foam is not only an excellent Class A wetting agent and fire retardant for controlled burns, but is also an effective Class B firefighting foam used to put out fuel fires and provide vapor suppression. However, many fire departments are not able to purchase the product because state statute doesn’t allow products derived from soybean to be purchased under the grant program they utilize.
Chippewa Valley Technical College does research to find alternatives to PFAS-based fire suppressant materials. Cross Plains Solutions has developed a fire suppressant that uses soybeans as the main ingredient. Soybean flour is a main ingredient for a fire suppressant. Cross Plains Solutions has developed the fire suppressant from soybeans that is deemed PFAS-free and environmentally friendly.
What do you think about using soy-based, PFAS-free foam in fire suppression? Would your department consider making the switch if funding is available?
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