Personal Protective Equipment for Wildfire Firefighters

Respiratory Protection^2,3​

Wildfire smoke is a workplace exposure, and there is no respiratory protection specifically designed and approved for wildfire conditions. No respirators can both provide protection from particles and gases from wildfire smoke and still perform in the extreme and complex environment of wildfire.

The primary inhalation health hazards of wildfire smoke are airborne particulates. The first step in re​spiratory protection is to minimize smoke exposures prior to engaging in the firefighting effort. Using the respiratory protection options listed below can provide some protection for those exposed to wildfire smoke.
 

Respirator Options 

All respirators must be approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH®).

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

An SCBA is the only option that provides complete protection against smoke. However, it is too heavy to be practical in fighting wildfires, adding about 40 pounds to an already heavy load of hoses and tools that must be carried in a hot environment. The air supply is strictly limited, requiring frequent tank changeout and support facilities.

Air-purifying respirators (APRs)

These primarily provide protection against particulates. A variety of cartridges are available for elastomeric respirators that also provide protection against specific chemicals or groups of chemicals. None are protective against all chemicals; none are protective against carbon monoxide or deficient levels of oxygen. The best combination cartridges available protect against particulates and organic vapors.

• Particulate filtration efficiency
  The most used level of efficiency is N95 (non-oil-resistant, 95% filtration of particles 0.3 micron in size or higher). If exposure to heavy smoke is unavoidable, P100 (Oil proof, 99.97% filtration of particles 0.3 micron in size or higher) should be selected.
• APRs in order of most to least protective:
  

1. ​Full face (FF) – These provide eye protection.
2. Powered APRs (PAPRs) – These provide eye protection and a cooling effect, but they add weight and bulk.
3. Half face – These offer no eye protection, so must be used with goggles.
4. Filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) – These are N95, NIOSH-certified for particulates only. Some models have an activated charcoal layer for “nuisance" vapors (below occupational exposure limits).

Dust masks and surgical type masks

These masks are not NIOSH-approved and are not protective due to their lack of a tight seal. Bandanas are ineffective because they cannot filter fine particulate.

Respiratory Protection Programs (RPPs)

Respirators protect personnel from exposure to airborne contaminants. All respirator users must be enrolled in an RPP that meets the requirements of their respective service. Key requirements are medical assessment and surveillance, training, fit testing, and proper respirator cleaning and maintenance. RPPs allow continuous observation for proper use of the respirator as well as better overall health and safety of the firefighter.

1. Air Force Respiratory Protection Program​
   
2. Army Respiratory Protection Program​
   
3. Navy Occupational Safety and Health Manual, Chapter 15, Respiratory Protection
   
   

Other Personal Protective Equipment^4,5,6

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®) 1977, Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Firefighting⁵ specifies the minimum design, performance, testing, and certification requirements for protective clothing, helmets, gloves, and footwear. Always be sure to wear compliant gear to maximize safety.

• Hardhats must be made of thermoplastics, such as polycarbonate, or of thermosetting materials, such as fiberglass.
• Face and neck shrouds are rectangular pieces of fire-resistant cloth that hang down from the firefighters' hardhats to the level of their shoulders. The front ends of the shroud overlap and fasten securely together with hook and pile tape (Velcro®).
• Eye Protection should be "splash guard" goggles that meet ANSI standards unless respirators with facial protection are used. If the firefighter requires glasses, prescription inserts should be used with the respirator. The goggles will allow regular glasses to be worn.
• Hearing protection is required when using chainsaws or working around other loud equipment.
• Shirts and trousers should be made of aramid fabric and should be loose fitting. Aramid fabrics are durable and provide good thermal protection. Like most fabrics, aramid burns if exposed to flame but stops burning when the flame is removed. Instead of melting or burning to ash, it forms a char that helps to protect the skin.
• Coveralls and jumpsuits are discouraged because they add to heat stress, are not durable enough for the lower part of the body, and seldom fit properly.
• Gloves should be full-grained, chrome-tanned leather. Gloves protect the firefighter's hands against blisters, cuts, scratches, and minor burns during routine firefighting. They also play a major fire protection role in the event of an aircraft accident or fire entrapment.
• Boots should be a minimum of 8 inches high, leather lace-type with skid-resistant soles. Slips and falls account for more than 15% of all injuries in wildfires, so non-slip soles with lugs or Vibram® are essential. Steel-toed boots are NOT recommended because of the potential for heat transfer from burnt ground.
• Underclothing. A short-sleeved t-shirt, underwear, and socks should be worn under fire-resistant clothing and boots. T-shirts and underwear should be 100% cotton or a 100% flame-resistant blend. Two pairs of socks, an inner pair of lightweight cotton socks and an outer pair of wool socks, should be worn.
• Chainsaw cut protection. Boots that are cut resistant or with cut-resistant socks, as well as chainsaw chaps, must be worn.
• Fire shelters are required to offer lifesaving protection in the event of an entrapment. The fire shelter reflects radiant heat and helps the firefighter in two primary ways. First, it provides more breathable air. Second, it gives firefighters a way to protect their lungs and airways from flames and hot gases, which are the leading killers in an entrapment.
  

Maintenance of PPE

Keep fire-resistant fabrics clean. Wash in soap and water separate from other clothing. They lose their fire-retardant capabilities if foreign substances are on or in the fibers. Do not use if they are contaminated with any flammable liquids.

Keep all boots and gloves clean. Apply boot grease as necessary to keep the leather soft. Inspect boots and keep them in good repair by replacing worn soles, ensuring that all stitching is present, and that laces are in good condition.

Remember to always follow Standard Operating Procedures for care, cleaning, and maintenance of all PPE.

References 

1. Defense Centers for Public Health–Aberdeen. 2023. Fact Sheet No. 018-0623, Wildfire Smoke Exposure. https://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC Resource Library/ohs-ihf-wildfire-smoke-exposure-factsheet.pdf
   
2. Heston, DV. 2007. USDA Forest Service Fire Management Tech Tips #5200, Respirator Use by Wildland Firefighters
3. “Options for Respiratory Protection in the Wildland/WUI Environment," FirefighterNation: Fire rescue, last reviewed July 1, 2014.  https://www.firefighternation.com/firerescue/options-for-respiratory-protection-in-the-wildland-wui-environment/
   
4. National Fire Protection Association. 2022. NFPA 1977, Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Firefighting.  https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=1977​​
   
5. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): A Short Guide for Wildland Firefighters.  https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/wildfire/rxfire/protective_equip.pdf​
   
6. ​U.S. Fire Service. Components of Wildland Fire P.P.E.  https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/fire/equipment-tools​