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Our California firefighting foam lawyers represent firefighters and military personnel diagnosed with cancers linked to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). California AFFF lawsuits claim these perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals cause a variety of diseases:
- Kidney Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer / Thyroid Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
As such, California firefighters harmed by PFAS exposure may be eligible to claim a cash settlement.
California AFFF Lawyers Advocate for Firefighters with Cancer
Our team of California AFFF / PFAS lawyers have represented thousands of victims of toxic chemicals. In doing so, we have recovered millions of dollars in settlement funds on their behalf.
However, we only pursue compensation from AFFF / PFAS manufacturers and their affiliates, and do not file claims against our clients’ employers or doctors.
No Legal Fee Unless You Obtain a Settlement
While compensation may be available to qualified AFFF handlers, victims are urged to act promptly. The #1 claim California firefighters can make for cancer compensation is one filed within the Statute of Limitations. Click here to view the latest information on the pending Multi-District Litigation.
Our AFFF / PFAS lawyers are available to review claims now. We offer a free case evaluation to confirm exposure to AFFF fire foam and diagnosis of a related illness. Further, we never charge a legal fee unless a financial recovery is obtained for our client.
Contact our California firefighting foam lawyers today.
California Firefighting Foam Lawyers File Cancer Lawsuits Statewide
9th Circuit AFFF Claims in California
California is part of the Ninth Circuit of the federal court system, and firefighting foam lawsuits can be filed at its local U.S. District Court. Cancer and illness appeals are heard by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
However, federal AFFF lawsuits filed in California may be transferred to a centralized jurisdiction pursuant to a cancer and illness Multi-District Litigation (MDL) Transfer Order. (Follow this link for our additional information on 9th Circuit AFFF compensation.)

California State AFFF Claims
California AFFF lawyers can also file firefighting foam lawsuits in the State’s county courts (CA Courts website). Section 1714 of the California Civil Code sets forth the State’s procedural law for cancer and illness claims.
The State of California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Accordingly, a California AFFF lawyer can recover damages for wrongful conduct by firefighting foam manufacturers regardless of what portion of fault may be assigned to the plaintiff. However, the firefighter’s recovery is reduced by their own degree of fault (if any).
Follow this link to view the AFFF recall order issued by the California Fire Marshal.
Pertinent claim filing information is provided below.
San Francisco Bay Area Courts for Northern CA AFFF Lawsuits
San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Eureka area AFFF lawyers file 9th Circuit firefighting foam lawsuits at these four (4) divisional locations of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (CAND website). Twenty-five (25) active judges and twelve (12) magistrates preside over the CAND’s resolution of firefighter PFAS claims.
In addition, the 15 million residents of Northern CA can file state court AFFF lawsuits at their nearby county courthouses. This environmentally conscious community has been a leader in streamlining accessible court filings through innovation and progressive policy.
Bay Area
S.F. Bay Area PFAS victims include employees or family members of those working in Silicon Valley’s global technology hub. San Francisco Bay Area AFFF lawyers can file cancer lawsuits on behalf of resident firefighters in the County of San Francisco, San Mateo in Redwood City, Santa Clara in San Jose, Alameda in Oakland, and Contra Costa in Martinez, CA.
North Coast
North Coast PFAS victims include farmers or family of those growing of almonds, wine grapes and rice, supported by the adjacent Pacific Ocean, Russian River and Eel River. These waterbodies additionally support a robust fishing industry, as well as Redwood National and State Parks.
Firefighting foam lawsuits can be filed by North Coast AFFF lawyers for sickened residents from the County of Sonoma in Santa Rosa, Marin in San Rafael, Monterey in Salinas, and Santa Cruz, CA.
Sacramento & Fresno Courts for Eastern CA AFFF Lawsuits
Sacramento and Fresno area AFFF lawyers file 9th Circuit firefighting foam lawsuits at these two (2) divisional locations of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California (CAED website). Six (6) active judges, three (3) senior (semi-retired) judges, and twelve (12) magistrates preside over the CAED’s resolution of firefighter PFAS claims.
In addition, the 3 million residents of Eastern CA can file state court AFFF lawsuits at their nearby county courthouses. The region’s unique geography includes the towering Sierra Nevada mountains, parts of the Mojave Desert, volcanic formations, and Lake Tahoe.
Sacramento Valley
Sacramento Valley PFAS victims include employees or family members of those working in government, healthcare, technology, and agriculture. The Valley’s rolling hills are home to the Sacramento River, which provides one-third of California’s water supply.
Firefighting foam lawsuits can be filed by Sacramento Valley AFFF lawyers for sickened residents from the County of Sacramento, Solano in Fairfield, Yolo in Woodland and Davis, Butte in Chico and Shasta in Redding. Claims can additionally be filed for firefighters from the County of Placer in Roseville, El Dorado in Placerville, and across California’s Sierra Nevada foothills.
San Joaquin Valley
S.J.V. PFAS victims include farmers or family of those who produce over 250 crops and supply a significant portion of the nation’s produce. Supported by the California Aqueduct, popular crops grown here include almonds, grapes, cotton, tomatoes, and citrus.
Notwithstanding its moniker as “the food basket of the world”, the region also produces a staggering 100 million barrels of oil per year.
San Joaquin Valley AFFF lawyers can file cancer lawsuits for resident firefighters from the County of San Joaquin in Stockton, Stanislaus in Modesto, Fresno, Tulare in Visalia, and Kern in Bakersfield, CA.
Los Angeles Area Courts for Central CA AFFF Lawsuits
Los Angeles, Santa Ana and Riverside area AFFF lawyers file 9th Circuit firefighting foam lawsuits at these three (3) divisional locations of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (CACD website). Twenty-eight (28) active judges, twelve (12) senior (semi-retired) judges, and twenty-three (23) magistrates preside over the CACD’s resolution of firefighter PFAS claims.
In addition, the 18.5 million residents of the Greater Los Angeles area can file state court AFFF lawsuits at their nearby county courthouses. This high-energy community is primarily centered around the movie and TV entertainment industry. However, residents have recently been impacted by severe wildfires, causing many to flee.
Nevertheless, Los Angeles firefighting foam lawyers are still filing cancer lawsuits in the County of L.A. in Los Angeles, Orange in Santa Ana, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura, as well as for Inland Empire residents of Riverside and San Bernardino, CA.
San Diego Courts for Southern CA AFFF Lawsuits
San Diego and Imperial area AFFF lawyers file 9th Circuit firefighting foam lawsuits at these two (2) divisional locations of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California (CASD website). Twenty-three (23) active judges, fourteen (14) visiting judges, and twelve (12) magistrates preside over the CASD’s resolution of firefighter PFAS claims.
In addition, the 3.8 million residents of the diverse San Diego border area can file state court AFFF lawsuits at their nearby county courthouses.
Specifically, California firefighting foam lawyers can file AFFF cancer lawsuits in the County of San Diego, as well as Imperial County in El Centro, CA.

California Firefighting Foam Lawyers Take a Closer Look
California firefighters have long used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to fight fuel-based fires. This foam performs well in high-risk environments like airports, refineries, and military bases. But AFFF contains toxic chemicals that now threaten firefighter health.
PFAS in AFFF Foam
AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These synthetic chemicals resist heat and repel oil and water. PFAS do not break down easily. They remain in the environment and build up in the human body over time. Researchers link PFAS to cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, and immune system problems.
California Firefighters Face PFAS Exposure
Firefighters in California often applied AFFF in training drills and emergency responses. They worked with the foam during jet fuel fires, hazmat spills, and vehicle accidents. Many wore older gear that also contained PFAS. These exposures occurred repeatedly over years. PFAS entered their bodies through skin contact, inhalation, and contaminated water sources.
Cancer and AFFF Exposure
California AFFF lawsuits show strong links between PFAS and certain cancers. Firefighters in California have reported high rates of kidney, testicular, prostate, and bladder cancers. Some departments now track AFFF exposure histories and encourage early screening. State officials recognize the growing number of occupational cancer cases tied to PFAS.
Military Sites and Contaminated Communities
Several military bases in California have been contaminated by AFFF. Facilities like Naval Air Station Lemoore and Travis Air Force Base used AFFF for decades. PFAS leaked into groundwater and local water systems. Firefighters and nearby communities now face elevated health risks.
State Action on AFFF and PFAS
California passed laws to restrict AFFF use. Fire departments can no longer use PFAS-based foam for training. Manufacturers must disclose PFAS content in firefighter gear. The state also funds programs to remove contaminated foam and support safer alternatives. CalEPA and regional water boards monitor and respond to PFAS contamination across the state.
Departments Shift to Safer Options
Many California fire departments now use fluorine-free foam (F3). These newer foams perform well without PFAS. Departments also focus on gear decontamination and replacing PFAS-treated equipment. California firefighting foam lawyers continue to push for stricter safety standards and better health tracking.
California AFFF Lawyers Leading the Path Forward
More protections are needed for firefighters in California. Departments need funding for clean gear, PFAS-free foam, and long-term health monitoring. Firefighters exposed to AFFF deserve access to cancer screenings, blood tests, and medical support. Further, the state should expand workers’ compensation for PFAS-related illness.
Firefighters protect California, and our AFFF lawyers are fighting for them in return.
Call or E-mail our California firefighting foam lawyers today.