Wildland Firefighting PPE

Preparing for Peak Season

As temperatures rise and vegetation dries out, wildland fire season begins to heat up—both literally and figuratively. Firefighters across the country are gearing up for months of challenging conditions, where performance, endurance, and safety are critical. The first line of defense? Your PPE.

At LION, we know that wildland firefighters face extreme heat, unpredictable terrain, and rapidly changing fire behavior. That’s why now—before peak season hits—is the time to make sure your gear is ready.

Know What Gear You Need

Wildland firefighting requires a specific PPE setup that balances flame resistance, mobility, and breathability. Before peak season arrives, make sure you have your essentials ready, so you can be ready for action. The essentials include…

• Wildland Firefighting Coat & Pants – Lightweight and flame-resistant (typically Nomex® or other FR materials).
• Helmet with Shroud – Protects from embers, heat, and impact.
• Goggles or Face Shield – Shields eyes from smoke, dust, and debris.
• Leather Gloves – Heat-resistant, durable, and dexterous.
• Fire-Resistant Boots – Vibram soles, high-ankle support, and NFPA 1977 compliant.
• Gear Pack – Hydration, fire shelters, tools, and radio storage.

Tip: Always verify your PPE is NFPA 1977-certified to ensure it meets the safety standards for wildland firefighting.

Inspect Before You Deploy

Before the first call of the season comes in, take time to thoroughly inspect every piece of your wildland firefighting PPE. Routine checks can catch issues that might otherwise go unnoticed—until it’s too late. Begin by examining your garments for fabric wear such as thinning areas, burn holes, or frayed seams. Even small signs of damage can reduce the garment’s thermal protection.

Next, test all closures—zippers, snaps, and Velcro—for full functionality. If closures fail during an operation, they could expose you to direct heat or compromise the overall fit and mobility of your gear. Check gloves for cracks, brittleness, or worn-out palms that can reduce grip or allow heat penetration.

Boots deserve special attention—inspect for signs of melted or separating soles, loose stitching, or damaged eyelets. Worn-out boots can lead to poor footing on steep or uneven terrain and increase the risk of injury. Don’t overlook your helmet either. Look for cracks, dents, or a worn-out suspension system, all of which can significantly reduce its protective capability in the event of falling debris or impact.

Even minor defects can have serious consequences when you're in an unpredictable wildfire environment. If any part of your PPE shows signs of wear, damage, or failure, repair or replace it immediately. Proper inspection not only protects your safety—it protects your team’s safety too.

Be Prepared for Extreme Conditions

Peak fire season brings intense physical and environmental challenges. You’ll need to be be prepared for extreme conditions; so your PPE should support the following:

• High breathability to reduce heat stress
• Ergonomic fit to allow full mobility
• Moisture-wicking layers to prevent chafing and heat rash
• Strategic reinforcement in high-wear areas

If looking for the right wildland gear, LION wildland gear was designed with these requirements in mind;so firefighters can stay protected and perform at their best.

Make It a Team Effort 

Fireground safety is not just a personal responsibility, it’s a collective one. A well-prepared team is a safer team, and ensuring everyone’s gear is ready for peak season should be a shared priority. Departments can promote readiness by organizing PPE Inspection Days ahead of the fire season, allowing personnel to thoroughly examine their gear with support from leadership and peers.

Hosting Gear Fit Sessions is also crucial, as proper sizing ensures maximum protection, comfort, and mobility, especially when working long shifts in high-heat environments. Additionally, department-wide inventory checks can help track gear condition, expiration dates, and replacement needs, reducing the risk of someone unknowingly heading into the field with compromised PPE. Taking these proactive, team-based steps fosters a culture of accountability and safety from the ground up.

Stay Safe Out There

Peak wildland season is intense, demanding, and dangerous—but the right PPE can make all the difference. At LION, we’re proud to support the firefighters who step up to protect lives, property, and natural landscapes.

Check out our latest wildland PPE collection to stay mission-ready this season.

© 2025 LION Group, Inc.