Understanding NFPA 1950: What the New PPE Standard Means for Wildland Firefighters
If you've recently seen references to NFPA 1950 instead of NFPA 1977, you may be wondering what changed and what it means for your wildland PPE.
The short answer? There's no need to panic because your gear remains compliant.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has introduced a significant update to its protective equipment standards with the creation of NFPA 1950, a new unified framework that combines several previously separate standards into a single document.
For wildland firefighters, agencies, and safety managers, understanding this change is important when evaluating and purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE).
What's Changing?
NFPA has consolidated the following standards under the new NFPA 1950 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue, Wildland Fire Fighting, Search and Rescue, and Emergency Medical Operations:
- NFPA 1977 – Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting
- NFPA 1999 – Protective Clothing and Ensembles for Emergency Medical Operations
- NFPA 1951 – Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Incidents
This update is intended to simplify certification requirements, streamline product testing, and provide a more unified approach to protective equipment standards across multiple emergency response roles.
What Does This Mean for True North Gear Products?
The good news is that products certified to NFPA 1977 before July 1, 2026, are grandfathered into the new NFPA 1950 standard.
This means that:
- Existing NFPA 1977-certified True North Gear products remain compliant.
- Customers may see products in the marketplace carrying either an NFPA 1977 label or an NFPA 1950 label during the transition period.
- Both labels indicate that the products meet the certification requirements for wildland firefighting PPE.
As inventory transitions, it is normal to encounter both standards on product tags and documentation.
Does This Affect the Service Life of My Gear?
A change in certification labeling does not change the service life of your PPE. True North Gear's wildland clothing is made with inherently flame-resistant fibers, meaning the flame resistance is built directly into the fiber itself. It's not a chemical treatment or finish that can wash out over time.
As always, industry best practice is to routinely inspect your gear and remove garments from service if they become:
- Damage that could reduce the garment's ability to provide intended protection
- Excessive wear that compromises garment integrity
- Contaminant spills that cannot be fully removed
As long as the garment remains structurally sound and undamaged, its flame-resistant characteristics remain intact throughout its service life.
We're Here to Help
Standards evolve, but our commitment doesn't. We will continue providing durable, dependable, and compliant wildland PPE while supporting our customers throughout the transition to NFPA 1950.
If you have questions about product labeling, compliance, or what this change means for you, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help make the transition as straightforward as possible.
