How often does your department conduct training on proper use and care of NFPA 1877-compliant wildland firefighting PPE?

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How often does your department conduct training on proper use and care of NFPA 1877-compliant wildland firefighting PPE?

NFPA_51B
Our department conducts training on the proper use and care of NFPA 1877-compliant wildland firefighting PPE semi-annually, with additional sessions provided as needed during peak fire seasons or after updates to the standard. Each training covers key elements such as correct donning and doffing techniques, routine inspection procedures, safe cleaning methods, and appropriate storage practices to maintain the PPE’s protective integrity. The goal is to ensure that all personnel not only understand how to use their gear effectively but also how to extend its lifespan and maintain compliance with NFPA 1877 guidelines.

New recruits receive this training as part of their onboarding process, while experienced personnel attend refresher courses as part of our continuing education program. These trainings often include hands-on demonstrations and real-world scenarios to reinforce best practices. Additionally, we encourage feedback from firefighters about the comfort, functionality, and durability of their gear, which informs both our training updates and future purchasing decisions.

We believe consistent training is essential to both firefighter safety and operational readiness. By keeping our teams informed and confident in their equipment use, we help reduce the risk of injury and ensure PPE performs as intended during wildland fire incidents.