Wildland firefighters rely on fire-resistant clothing that shields against extreme heat and flames while providing the mobility needed to navigate rugged terrain and high-stress situations.In the field, there's no time to second-guess whether their gear is up to the task—every second counts. That’s why proper care is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for storing, washing, and repairing fire-resistant clothing to ensure it’s always ready when it matters most.

Understanding Fire-Resistant Clothing

Fire-resistant and fire-retardant clothing are often confused, but they’re not the same.

Fire-resistant fabrics have inherent flame resistance, while fire-retardant materials are chemically treated to reduce flammability. The key difference lies in durability—treated fabrics can lose effectiveness over time, while fire-resistant fibers retain their protective qualities throughout the garment’s life.

Firefighters rely heavily on fire-resistant clothing as part of their personal protective equipment (PPE). These garments are specifically designed to help them perform safely and effectively in hazardous conditions. Examples of fire-resistant PPE include:

  • Flame-resistant brush shirts
  • Flame-resistant brush pants
  • Overpants and overcoats
  • Belts and suspenders
  • Flame-resistant boots and footwear

A popular material used in this gear is Nomex, a fiber known for its inherent heat resistance. Nomex doesn’t melt and provides a powerful barrier against intense heat and flames, making it the go-to choice for wildland firefighter uniforms.

Understanding the NFPA 1977 Standard

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes safety standards designed to protect individuals, especially firefighters, from the dangers of fire. One of the most critical standards for wildland firefighters is NFPA 1977.

All personal protective equipment (PPE) worn in wildland firefighting should be NFPA 1977 certified. This certification confirms the gear has passed rigorous testing for flame resistance, durability, and functionality—meeting the high-performance standards required in wildland firefighting. It’s your guarantee that the clothing meets high-performance and safety criteria.

Look for the NFPA 1977 label on the tags and product descriptions of essential gear such as:

  • Shirts and pants
  • Jackets and overcoats
  • Gloves and helmets
  • Boots and other protective accessories

Wearing certified gear ensures you’re equipped with reliable protection in the field.

Types of Flame-Resistant (FR) Fabric

Flame-resistant (FR) clothing is specifically designed to withstand high heat and reduce the risk of burns by limiting heat transfer during exposure to flames or extreme temperatures. Certain materials—like Kevlar, Modacrylic, and Nomex—are naturally resistant to fire, making them ideal for FR gear. Other materials, such as cotton, may not be inherently flame-resistant but can be chemically treated to improve their protective properties. There are four primary categories of FR fabrics used in protective clothing:

1. Inherently Flame-Resistant Fibers

These materials possess natural flame-resistant properties built into the fiber structure. They do not require any chemical treatment to resist fire and maintain their protective qualities throughout the garment's life. For example: Nomex, Kevlar

2. Treated Fibers

These are synthetic fibers treated with flame-retardant chemicals during the fiber formation process. The treatment becomes a permanent part of the fiber, giving it lasting flame resistance. Long-term protection that doesn’t wash out.

3. Treated Fabrics

Unlike treated fibers, treated fabrics start with a base material—often something like cotton—that is not flame-resistant by nature. The fabric is treated with specialized chemicals after weaving to give it FR capabilities. Over time and with repeated washing, the flame resistance can diminish.

4. Fabric Blends

Blended fabrics combine the strengths of both inherently FR fibers and treated fibers. These hybrid materials strike a balance between comfort, durability, and consistent flame protection. PPE uniforms require both flexibility and high heat resistance.

How to Properly Wash Flame-Resistant Clothing: Do’s and Don’ts

Taking proper care of your flame-resistant (FR) clothing is essential to maintain its protective qualities and extend its lifespan. Whether you're wearing men’s or women’s FR apparel from MWG, following the recommended care instructions will keep your gear in top condition. Here’s what you need to know about washing FR clothing the right way.

Do's for Washing FR Clothing

  • Turn garments inside out before washing.

    This simple step helps minimize wear and tear on the outer surface, keeping your FR clothing looking newer for longer.

  • Wash at home whenever possible.

    Industrial washers can be too harsh. Their high heat and aggressive agitation can lead to premature wear or shrinkage. A standard home washer is more gentle on FR fabrics.

  • Use warm water (not hot).

    Machine wash with warm water—ideally under 140°F (60°C)—to clean effectively without compromising the fabric."

  • Tumble dry on low heat.

    High temperatures can degrade flame-resistant properties. Always use the low heat setting and remove garments promptly from the dryer to prevent wrinkles and shrinkage.

  • Read the manufacturer's care label.

    Follow the manufacturer’s care label instructions whenever available, especially for garments made with specialty fibers like Nomex.

Don’ts for Washing FR Clothing

  • Don’t use bleach.

    While effective on tough stains, bleach breaks down the protective fibers in FR garments, reducing their effectiveness.

  • Don’t use fabric softeners.

    Fabric softeners leave a flammable residue on fabrics. That silky feel comes at the cost of safety—avoid them entirely when washing FR clothing.

  • Don’t dry clean.

    Dry cleaning exposes garments to chemical solvents and high heat, which can ruin the fire-resistant properties of the material.

Don’t apply insect repellents containing DEET.

DEET is highly flammable. Applying it directly to FR clothing can compromise the safety of your gear and increase fire risk.

Keeping Your FR Gear Ready for Action

Wildland firefighters depend on flame-resistant (FR) clothing for safety and performance in extreme conditions. But protection doesn't stop at wearing the right gear—it’s about maintaining it, too. Proper washing, storage, and inspection ensure your FR apparel remains effective over time. Understanding the differences between fire-resistant and fire-retardant materials, choosing certified NFPA 1977 gear, and following care best practices all contribute to lasting protection. Treat your gear with care, and it’ll be ready when you need it most—on the fireline, in high heat, and in every critical moment where safety is non-negotiable.