Firefighting – Protective clothing for combating wildland fire Legislative Interpretations

Question

Our organization is involved in wildland fire operations. What type of protective clothing must we provide to employees who combat forest fires?

Answer

The employer shall conduct a task‑specific risk assessment in advance of any wildland firefighting activities, including associated support roles, and shall ensure that workers are equipped with and use personal protective equipment appropriate to the hazards identified.

The New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development (NBDNRED) accepts clothing certified to either the CAN/CGSB 155.22 or NFPA 1950 standard, as both are considered equivalent. Employers must provide employees who combat wildland fires with clothing certified to one of these standards.

Additional Information

Certification requirements under Standard CAN/CGSB-155.22 specify that prescriptive labeling information must be provided through either a manufacturer’s self-declaration (Option 1) or a certification mark issued by an accredited certification body (Option 2). Additional supporting requirements and guidance are provided in Section 7 of the standard (P29-155-022-2024-eng.pdf).

The NFPA 1950 Standard clearly state that, to be certified under any NFPA Standard, an organization must obtain certification from an independent third-party certification body. An item that does not bear the mark of an independent third-party certification organization is not compliant with NFPA 1950.

Relevant Standards

• CAN/CGSB-155.22 – Fireline workwear for wildland firefighters
• NPFA 1950 - Standard on Personal Protective Equipment for Technical Rescue Incidents, Emergency Medical Operations, and Wildland and Urban Interface Firefighting
• Note: NFPA 1977 is no longer published as a standalone standard, as its requirements have been consolidated into NFPA 1950.

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) is a national organization that coordinates wildland fire management across Canada. It supports cooperation among federal, provincial, and territorial agencies, and works with international partners on resource sharing and information exchange. CIFFC also facilitates long-term fire management planning, program delivery, and human resource strategies in coordination with NBDNRED.

NBDNRED is the Government of New Brunswick department responsible for natural resources and energy development. More information can be found on its website: Natural Resources and Energy Development – New Brunswick

Referenced Legislation

Occupational Health and Safety Act

9(1)(a) Every employer shall take every reasonable precaution to ensure the health and safety of his employees.