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Personal Protective Equipment – Helmet Inspection and Care

Wildland firefighting helmets are intended to reduce the severity of an impact. Helmets require frequent inspection to maintain performance standards. Inspection frequency will depend on its use and exposure. Inspect your helmet when it is first issued, after a significant event (involved in an accident, significant incident, or obvious damage), and periodically throughout the season. Helmets that do not meet the criteria in the Wildland Firefighter’s Helmet Serviceability Guide need to be removed from service.

The wildland firefighting helmet is certified to meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1977 Standard for Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting and Urban Interface Fire Fighting. The NFPA 1977 Standard ensures Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) meets minimum design, performance, labeling, testing, visibility, and certification requirements.

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Flow chart identifying the indicators of whether a wildland firefighter's helmet should be serviced or repaired.

 

 

 

 

Helmets certified to NFPA 1977 also meet ANSI Z89.1, Type 1, Class G. Type 1 helmets are intended to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow to the top of the head. Class G helmets are intended to reduce the danger of contact with low-voltage electrical conductors.

Helmet Components: The wildland fire helmet is comprised of an outer shell and an adjustable inner suspension.

Date of Manufacture (DOM): Displayed as radial dials on the underside of the brim, one for the month and year of manufacture. Ten years or older should be removed from service, regardless of wear.

Outer Shell: Look for dents, cracks, gouges, discoloration, and deformities. Chemicals, bug spray, and some cleaning solutions can cause damage to the shell.

Compression Test: Pressure to the sides of the shell should result in a quick return to its original shape, demonstrating elasticity in the shell.

Suspension Inspection: Inspect suspension webbing for wear and tear. A damaged suspension can be replaced if the shell is still serviceable.

Suspension Keys: The suspension is attached using keys, these should be snapped into place and held snuggly in the helmet’s key slot. If a portion of the key is broken, cracked, or damaged, replace the suspension or remove the helmet from service.

Cleaning: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the shell and the suspension.

Storage: Store helmets in a cool, dark, and dry place. Do not store helmets near chemicals. Avoid direct sunlight.

Discussion Question:

  • Have you checked your hard hat lately?
     
Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid
References
Helmet Inspection and Safety Video
The Equipment Technology Committee
NWCG Standards for Fire Equipment Storage and Refurbishing, PMS 448
Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations, Chapter 7, Safety …
Big Swamp Fire, Serious Accident Investigation
Lone Pine Fire Tree Strike, Facilitated Learning Analysis

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NWCG Latest Announcements

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group