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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?
     

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2025 Week of Remembrance

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As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

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The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

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Date: June 10, 2025
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The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

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

Date: June 3, 2025
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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.

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References:

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

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552