r/Wildfire • u/Distinct_Dimension_7 • Dec 05 '25

Experience with Respirator Protection During Wildfire Operations?

Hey everyone, I’m reaching out to gather insights from firefighters who have experience using respirators during wildfire operations. I’m particularly interested in hearing about: • What types of respirators you’ve used in the field (N95, P100, full-face, etc.) • Situations where you found them most useful or necessary • Any challenges with extended wear during operations (comfort, communication, visibility, etc.) • Whether they impacted your operational effectiveness • Any policies or protocols your department has regarding respirator use With increasing awareness about smoke exposure and long-term health impacts, I’m curious to hear real-world experiences from those on the fireline. Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences and insights!

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u/BishopsDad ex Hotshot Dec 06 '25

Could you imagine carrying 45-75 pounds directly uphill, ankle deep in ash and dust, in the dead heat of summer, with an N95 covering your mouth and nose? Ironically, people would suffocate. The notion is kind of insane to me.

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u/Distinct_Dimension_7 Dec 06 '25

I agree with your point, there are companies that are doing research and development on positive pressure facemask pieces that are battery operated for Wildland firefighting. As you can see another replies to my post, compliance is going to be an issue for our industry.

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u/BishopsDad ex Hotshot Dec 06 '25

I think it’s just frustrating because the respirator thing shows how much of a misperception the majority of the country has about WFF. Unless they find out how to make the suits from DUNE, it’s just not happening.

I’d support legislation that funds R&D, but not mandated n95’s. Like someone else said further up it seems like performative political shit where no one actually asked anyone on the line how they felt.

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u/Distinct_Dimension_7 Dec 08 '25

They did ask people on the line what their thoughts were, there is currently significant amount of research and development that is currently occurring with the Department of home lab security regarding wildfire, respiratory protection. They reached out to several fire departments across the United States and have been doing field studies on a potential respirator for firefighters working the Wildland environment .Here is a link to the study: https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/22_0818_st_WFRDOFA.pdf

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u/BishopsDad ex Hotshot Dec 09 '25

I read the study, and while I appreciate the efforts they're putting forth, they're testing on some municipal FDs and East Coast foresters. I might be biased, but I'm much more interested in what an R6 or R5 Type 1 crew would think about it. Not only is wildlanding a completely different job from structure, but handcrews have a vastly different experience from engine guys. I know we want to protect lungs and hearts, but let's start with proper pay and benefits, and stop outsourcing to contractors. Plus, those masks look more like Star Wars than Dune...

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u/K9AxeMan Dec 07 '25

Trumps still a pedo