What NFPA 1970 Actually Says About Station Wear

NFPA 1970 is the standard that governs protective ensembles for structural firefighting and proximity firefighting. Most firefighters know it exists. Fewer know what it actually requires — and what it doesn't.

Understanding NFPA 1970 matters because it directly affects what station wear is considered compliant, what materials are acceptable, and what the standard says (and doesn't say) about chemical treatments like PFAS.

What NFPA 1970 Covers

NFPA 1970 establishes minimum performance requirements for protective clothing and equipment used in structural firefighting. It covers turnout gear, hoods, gloves, footwear, and — importantly — station/work uniforms worn beneath protective ensembles.

The standard addresses flame resistance, heat resistance, physical performance, and labeling requirements. It sets the floor for what gear must do to be considered safe for firefighting environments.

What the Standard Says About Station Wear Materials

NFPA 1970 requires that station wear meet specific flame resistance requirements. Critically, it does not require that flame resistance be achieved through chemical treatments. Materials that are inherently flame-resistant — like Merino wool — can meet the standard's requirements without any added FR chemicals.

This is an important distinction. Many synthetic station wear garments achieve flame resistance through chemical treatments, including PFAS-based finishes. Merino wool achieves it naturally, through the fiber's own physical and chemical properties.

The PFAS Question and NFPA 1970

NFPA 1970 does not prohibit PFAS in station wear. But it also doesn't require them. As awareness of PFAS health risks has grown — particularly for firefighters who already face elevated cancer risk — the fire service has increasingly questioned whether PFAS-treated gear is an acceptable standard.

The answer for many firefighters is no. And that's driving demand for PFAS-free alternatives like Merino wool station wear that meets NFPA performance requirements without chemical shortcuts.

Why Merino Wool Aligns With NFPA 1970 Intent

The intent of NFPA 1970 is to protect firefighters from the hazards of their environment. Merino wool's natural flame resistance, moisture management, and thermal regulation properties align directly with that intent — without introducing additional chemical exposure through synthetic treatments.

For firefighters looking to reduce PFAS exposure while maintaining compliant station wear, PFAS-free Merino wool is the most straightforward path.

Shop PFAS-Free, NFPA-Aligned Station Wear

Armadillo Woolery builds firefighter-founded station wear from PFAS-free Merino wool — naturally flame-resistant, naturally odor-resistant, and built for the demands of the job.

• Saber Station Wear Shirt — Naturally flame-resistant, PFAS-free Merino wool for the firehouse.
• Saber Station Wear Pants — Merino wool station pants with no synthetic chemical treatments.
• Johnnies Men's Base Layer — PFAS-free Merino base layer for next-to-skin protection.

Built for battle. Designed for extreme duty.