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Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new prototype protective shirt designed specifically for wildland firefighters, offering enhanced safety compared to current gear. Elena Kosareva, who designed the shirt as part of her Ph.D. in textile and apparel science, highlights the urgent need for improved protective clothing as wildfires become increasingly frequent and intense.
The traditional upper garment worn by wildland firefighters consists of a thin cotton undershirt layered with a flame-resistant outer shirt. However, this setup often leaves vulnerable areas—such as the shoulders, torso, and neck—exposed to heat, as an evenly distributed air gap is difficult to maintain. Kosareva’s research identifies this gap as critical for protection, emphasizing that air acts as an effective insulator against thermal heat.
To address these challenges, Kosareva’s prototype incorporates a three-dimensional ‘spacer’ fabric made of flame-resistant fibers. According to TechXplore, this innovative fabric features thick, compression-resistant yarn that connects the upper and lower layers, effectively trapping air to create an artificial gap where contact occurs. The design not only enhances protection but also maintains the lightweight, flexible, and breathable characteristics necessary for the physically demanding tasks wildland firefighters perform.
Under lab testing, the new shirt demonstrated approximately three times more thermal protection than existing garments, delaying second-degree burns for 14 seconds compared to just five seconds with the standard shirt. Additionally, the prototype reduced the total burn area on a flash-fire mannequin by about 6%, illustrating its potential to significantly enhance firefighter safety.
Moving forward, Kosareva plans to refine the design for improved comfort and range of motion, especially around the shoulders. The prototype is production-ready, requiring minimal changes for manufacturers.
With ongoing research and testing, this innovative shirt aims to provide the enhanced safety and comfort that firefighters urgently need.
