Reclaimed Fire Protection Agents & Regulation: What Business Leaders Need to Know
What’s Next for Fire Protection: Industry Expert Bill Polits Weighs In
Highlights from Rapid Access Radio
The fire protection industry is at a crossroads. With increasing regulatory scrutiny, shifting environmental standards, and new technologies transforming operations, companies must navigate change strategically to protect both people and profits.
On a recent episode of Rapid Access Radio, fire suppression veteran and founder of Polits Strategies, Bill Polits, shared powerful insights from his decades of experience. From clean agents and reclaimed materials to the rising influence of private equity, his takeaways are a must-hear for fire protection professionals looking to stay ahead.
Reclaimed Clean Agents: A Smart and Profitable Shift
One of the most practical ways the fire protection industry can adapt to changing regulations is by embracing reclaimed materials. According to Bill, the fire suppression sector already leads in responsible reclamation, with high percentages of agent recovery and recycling.
“Reusing what you can is the best way to reduce emissions and improve margins,” Bill said. “We’ve got the gas here in the U.S., let’s use it.”
This approach not only supports regulatory compliance but also helps protect supply chains and unlocks value for end users by avoiding costly imports and manufacturing. It’s a strategy built on the principles of a circular economy, where reusing valuable clean agents reduces the carbon footprint and keeps those materials from becoming environmental liabilities.
Fire Suppression vs. Refrigeration: A Contrast in Commitment
Bill highlighted the stark difference between the fire suppression industry and the refrigeration sector when it comes to responsible agent handling. While the fire protection community consistently reclaims and recycles at a high rate, the refrigeration world still struggles with mass-market fragmentation and inconsistent standards.
“Our industry is more tight-knit,” Bill explained. “We’re focused from the start on protecting people and the environment.”
The Role of Regulation, PFAS, and the Future of Clean Agents
PFAS has become a hot-button issue across many industries, and fire protection is no exception. While the firefighting foam sector (AFFF) has rightfully come under scrutiny for its PFAS content and environmental harm, Bill cautions against applying a one-size-fits-all view to clean agents.
“We have to make sure people don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater,” Bill emphasized. “Concerns for clean agents under PFAS are relatively minute, especially compared to AFFF.”
Clean agents such as Halotron and Novec 1230 are sometimes lumped into the same PFAS category, but Bill believes this overly broad classification could mislead decision-makers. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between substances with truly dangerous profiles and those with scientifically benign or low-impact attributes.
Encouragingly, U.S. regulatory agencies like the EPA are maintaining a science-based approach, unlike some European regulations that may preemptively restrict materials before the science is fully settled.
“Thank God the EPA is taking a science-based path,” Bill said. “We can’t afford to regulate out of fear — we need to regulate with facts.”
He also pointed to the AIM Act and the Kigali Amendment, both of which are shaping the phase-down of HFCs. While fire suppression only represents a small fraction of global HFC use, the industry must remain proactive to adapt to these global efforts to limit atmospheric warming.
The Private Equity Shift in Fire Protection
One of the more subtle, but significant, trends impacting the industry is the rise of private equity ownership in fire protection firms. Bill cautioned that while capital investment can accelerate growth, it can also disrupt the unique, site-specific decision-making that fire safety requires.
“Fire hazards are all unique,” he noted. “This industry doesn’t always respond well to top-down mandates. You’ve got to empower the people on the ground.”
Looking Ahead: Smarter Systems, Higher Stakes
Bill also pointed to the growth of connected devices in fire alarm and detection systems as a bright spot for the industry. These innovations can improve safety, reduce costs, and extend protection to areas that were previously unprotected.
As systems get smarter and regulations grow more complex, Bill’s core message is clear: adaptability and education are essential for long-term success.
Polits Strategies: Where Protection Meets Performance
If your company is navigating the intersection of regulatory change, environmental responsibility, and business profitability , Polits Strategies is your strategic partner.
Bill and his team help fire protection companies, manufacturers, and facility managers stay ahead of evolving regulations, unlock financial opportunities through reclaimed materials, and protect people and planet with confidence.
Contact Polits Strategies today to ensure your company operates with the highest level of protection while maximizing your financial performance. Let’s shape a safer, smarter future together.