In continuing efforts to provide the best personal equipment to firefighters, the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate announced on October 1 that over 1,000 wildland firefighters from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) units, the U.S. Forest Service, and 11 local California fire departments, all of whom are currently heavily engaged in ongoing wildfires, will begin testing new equipment. The tests will be conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Army’s Natick Solder Research, Development and Engineering Center’s National Protection Center in Natick, Massachusetts.

One of the major concerns all firefighters face is the potential for heat stress. When combined with adverse weather conditions such as high humidity or, frequently in the case of fighting wildfires, hiking into remote areas carrying heavy equipment, the dangers from heat stress are always present.

Bill Deso, S&T Program Manager said, “Today fire departments face competing hazards where the personal protective gear that firefighters wear must balance the risk between severe burns and heat stress at the same time. With the hard work and supported of our partners on California, the U.S. Forest Service, and Natick, the next generation of personal protective equipment will improve radiant thermal protection; reduce heat stress; improve form, fit, and function compared to existing garments; and meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1977 and 1975 standards.”

The press release from DHS S&T notes, “The protective garment system includes undergarments, socks, shirts uniform pants, tactical pants, and over pants. The system has a shelf life of five years, allows for the rapid donning in three minutes or less, is compatible with existing equipment, and accommodates the 5^th to 95^th percentile of male and female firefighters. Wildland firefighters testing the gear will provide feedback to DHS through an online survey and their used garments will undergo laboratory testing to objectively determine their performance. Lab data and user feedback will be used to guide refinement and further development of the garment system before being transitioned to manufacture and ultimate commercial availability to the wildland firefighting community.”