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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.

Image
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? 

References:

Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

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NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

References:

WFSTAR Catalog

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee