At lasts weeks Interschutz 2026, we invited visitors to take part in a simple interactive survey about cleaning routines for SCBA and firefighting gear. The activity attracted strong engagement, especially from a large group of young firefighters. In total, 209 participants took part by placing stickers on a survey board to indicate their answers.
The first question asked: “How do you clean your SCBA after a fire call?” Among the 194 recorded responses, the most common answer was machine washing at the station, selected by 86 participants. Another 72 participants said they use an external cleaning service, while 25 reported that they hand wash the equipment themselves. Only 11 participants said they had no standard process in place.
The second question asked: “How often does your gear get thoroughly cleaned?” This question received 209 responses. A clear majority, 122 participants, said their gear is cleaned after every fire call. However, 59 participants answered “Honestly, not often enough,” while 18 said their gear is cleaned a few times a year and 10 said once a month or less.
The results suggest that awareness around cleaning and contamination control is strong among the participants. A majority of respondents reported that their gear is thoroughly cleaned after every fire call, which is in line with recommended best practice.
At the same time, the survey highlights a clear improvement opportunity. Best practice is to wash gear after every fire call or practice, yet 87 out of 209 respondents, around 42%, indicated that their gear is cleaned less frequently or “not often enough.” This gap shows that while many firefighters understand the importance of cleaning, practical barriers may still prevent consistent decontamination.
This is especially relevant for young volunteer firefighters, who represent the future of the fire service. Their responses show encouraging progress, but also underline the need for continued education, clearer routines, and easier access to proper cleaning solutions. Making thorough cleaning after every exposure the standard habit is an important step toward reducing contamination risks and supporting long-term firefighter health.
