Wildland gear should start every season clean, inspected, and correctly stored — because last year’s smoke residue keeps degrading fabric all winter, and packed-away gear hides damage until the worst moment. March is the month to do this work in the upper Midwest.
Why clean gear that was stored all winter?
Wildland smoke deposits acidic residues and hydrocarbons into fabric. Left in place over months, they weaken fibers, hold odor, and add contamination your skin absorbs with every wear. A season-start wash with PPE-safe cleaner resets the garment — and reveals its true condition.
What should the pre-season check cover?
- Fabric condition: UV fade, thinning, and abrasion — wildland shells fail by wear, not usually by fire
- Seams and closures: restitch popped seams now, not on the fireline
- Reflective elements: intact and attached
- Fit check: bodies change over winter; sleeves and inseams that ride up expose skin to radiant heat
- Web gear and packs: buckles, straps, and hydration parts
Does NFPA 1850 apply to wildland PPE?
Wildland ensembles have their own requirements and care rules distinct from structural gear — but the logic is identical: routine cleaning, documented inspection, and repair with proper materials. If your department runs both gear types, keep their records separate and their wash loads separate too.
FAQ
Can wildland gear go in the same extractor as structural gear?
Same machine, different loads — never mix them in one cycle, and follow each manufacturer’s wash specs.
Can Heiman ISP service wildland PPE?
Yes — cleaning, inspection, and repair. Request a quote before the season starts.