#United States #Washington, DC #firefighting foam #Vorbeck O3 #CFSI

Vorbeck Materials Takes a Leading Role in Emergency Services

Vorbeck Materials, a pioneer in advanced materials technology, has proudly announced its Gold Sponsorship of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) for the 36th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner, set to take place on March 18-19, 2026, in Washington, DC. This sponsorship comes as the company gears up for the commercial launch of its groundbreaking product, Vorbeck O3™—the first PFAS-free, UL 162-listed firefighting foam that outperforms traditional AFFF standards.

The Necessity of Change

The CFSI Annual Symposium is recognized as the premier event for U.S. fire and emergency services. It serves as a vital platform for policy discussion, advocacy, and networking among peers in the industry. Vorbeck's involvement aligns perfectly with its mission to address urgent challenges in the firefighting community, particularly in light of escalating scrutiny over PFAS-containing products. With the U.S. Military's deadline in October 2026 to eliminate such foams, fire departments nationwide are pressed to identify effective yet safe alternatives that do not compromise performance.

Vorbeck O3™: A New Era for Firefighting Foam

Vorbeck O3™ is not just another firefighting foam; it represents a revolutionary step forward in firefighting technology. Developed specifically for Class B fires involving flammable and combustible liquids, it is the first foam concentrate to achieve a UL 162 listing while offering burn-back performance that exceeds both the newly established fluorine-free standards and legacy AFFF benchmarks.

In rigorous testing conducted by the CVTC Fire Safety Center in Wisconsin and the Southwest Research Institute in Texas, Vorbeck O3™ demonstrated significantly enhanced performance metrics. Highlights include:

• - Up to 30% faster extinguishment compared to competing UL-listed fluorine-free foams.
• - Superior burn-back protection surpassing both previous fluorine-free standards and legacy AFFF.
• - More than twice the speed in self-extinguishment compared to leading products available today.
• - Exceptional suppression of vapors and re-ignition risks, ensuring safety in emergency response.
• - It's suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments, highlighted by its UL 162 listing.
• - Importantly, it contains no intentionally added PFAS or fluorine, differentiating it from many existing products.

Manufacturing of Vorbeck O3™ is based in Vorbeck's specialized facility in North Dakota, engineered specifically for its unique chemistry. This strategic location guarantees consistent quality, domestic supply reliability, and predictable lead times for fire departments and procurement teams. The product is available in various formats including 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon drums, 275-gallon totes, and bulk volumes—allowing flexibility to meet different operational needs.

Positive Feedback from Fire Service Leaders

Battalion Chief John Zour from the Howard County Maryland Department of Fire and Rescue Services shared his experience, stating, "Throughout the years, I've utilized numerous types of foams, noticing that the effectiveness of PFAS-free products often fell short. Vorbeck O3™ impressively manages burn-back situations, self-extinguishing while sealing over the fuel—this level of performance is unprecedented among fluorine-free options and is critical for our departments as we transition to safer alternatives."

Engaging with Fire Service Leaders at CFSI 2026

As a Gold Sponsor, Vorbeck Materials will have a strong presence at the symposium, participating actively in educational seminars and connecting with leading figures in the fire service community. Vorbeck's leadership team will engage directly with fire chiefs, distributors, and policymakers to discuss the pressing issue of PFAS transition and the new standards that Vorbeck O3™ is setting in the firefighting foam market.

For fire chiefs and service leaders looking to delve deeper into the capabilities of Vorbeck O3™ or to arrange meetings during the CFSI 2026, the company encourages direct outreach.

About Vorbeck Materials

Founded by a commitment to innovation and safety, Vorbeck Materials specializes in developing advanced materials tailored for defense and first-responder applications. With more than two decades of experience, the Columbia, Maryland-based company’s latest achievement, Vorbeck O3™, is positioned as the industry's first PFAS-free foam product to surpass legacy standards. For further details, visit vorbeck.com or contact their team at [email protected] | (301) 497-9000 ext. 400.

About the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI)

Established in 1989 as a nonprofit, the CFSI operates as a nonpartisan policy institute tasked with educating Congress on the needs and challenges faced by fire and emergency service sectors. Annually, the CFSI’s National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner gathers over 1,500 attendees, uniting fire service leaders with their congressional allies to foster dialogue crucial for funding and training to support first responders.