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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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NWCG Latest Announcements

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 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal