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Dirty Nomex®

 

Nomex® is the brand name for a heat and flame-resistant textile made by the DuPont chemical company and first marketed in 1967. Today, more than three million firefighters and aviation personnel around the world are protected by structure fire turnout gear, wildland fire personal protective equipment (PPE), and flight suits and jackets made of Nomex®.

Nomex® is not flame-proof. It burns when you hold a flame to it, but stops burning once the heat source is removed. The thick woven structure of synthetic fibers is a very poor conductor of heat. When exposed to heat, the fibers expand, closing the spaces between them insulating the wearer. But to work correctly, Nomex® needs proper care.

Dirty Nomex®

  • Wash Nomex® like normal laundry, but always include a rinse cycle that adequately removes soaps and detergents.
  • Nomex® garments should never be subjected to strong oxidizing agents such as peroxides or bleaches. These products harm the physical strength of the fabric.
  • Tumble dry and remove while slightly damp. Over-drying damages the fabric.

Poison Oak/Ivy/Sumac on Nomex®

National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) conducted research on laundering Nomex® firefighting clothing that has been contaminated with urushiol oil (what causes the rash) from poison oak/ivy/sumac exposure.

  • NTDP recommends that fire clothing contaminated with urushiol oil be cleaned following normal Nomex® laundering procedures, with a degreaser such as a detergent or a laundry soap, and as soon as possible.
  • Extra care should be exercised when handling the contaminated clothing, and it should be kept separate from unaffected clothing and equipment.
  • Put the affected clothing in a marked bag if you are giving it to someone else to wash. Before handling the affected clothing, apply a skin-barrier product such as Ivy Block or Technu®.

Fuel-Soaked Nomex®

Flammable contaminants will reduce the thermal performance of any flame-resistant garment including Nomex®.

  • Proper and periodic cleaning is essential to maintain thermal protective performance.

 

Action Item -

Nomex® is not effective if it is excessively dirty, fuel-soaked, or has holes. Does your Nomex® need to be washed, repaired, or replaced?

 

Reference:

A 2008 SAFENET corrective action filed by the US Forest Service regarding poison oak reactions experienced by firefighters during the 2008 fire season in California.

 

Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid
References
Care & Cleaning Information for Nomex® and Nomex® Blend Flame Resistant Garments
Product Care Information on Nomex® Garments

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NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal