Production is in full flight at Pacific Helmets (NZ) Ltd to deliver the BR9 wildland firefighting helmet to the largest fire service in the world – NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS).
At least 40,000 members of NSW RFS are set to receive a new Pacific BR9 wildland firefighting helmet in a large-scale roll-out set to take place in the coming year.
Feedback from NSW RFS members indicated that helmets were a top priority after the 2020 bushfire fundraising appeal raised over $100 million. The funds have been allocated to essential equipment and important upgrades for the volunteer firefighters who provide fire and emergency services to approximately 95% of New South Wales.
The BR9, selected by NSW RFS as their service issued wildland firefighting helmet, is a popular lightweight head-protection platform that supports a full range of accessories. The standard shell shape incorporates a narrow side brim, and multiple crown ridges allow for extra strength and air flow.
Impact protection was a crucial performance criteria when evaluating helmets. The BR9 excelled, largely due to Pacific’s acclaimed DuPont Kevlar and fibreglass-reinforced composite shell. Kevlar, a synthetic fibre renowned for its strength, provides additional heat resistance and has been used in the design and manufacture of Pacific-branded helmets since their founding in 1982.
The multi-ridge design of the BR9 contributes to the helmets excellent impact resistance results, effectively dispersing blows over several points instead of being focused on a single area.
The NSW RFS BR9 also features a clear, clip-on face shield, which provides high-speed particle impact protection for the face and eyes. A mesh insert inside the helmet’s cradle spreads the weight of the helmet evenly over the head, improving comfort, while 25mm earmuff brackets enable the application of helmet-mounted earmuffs and rear accessory straps effectively retain single-strap goggles.
Understanding the importance of delivering information efficiently, Pac Fire has established the NSW RFS Helmet Hub, a centralised online library that includes product information, specifications, downloads, training videos, FAQ, spare parts and accessories specifically for NSW RFS members. The Helmet Hub can be reached by scanning a specialised barcode, found inside the helmet’s shell, and on much of the literature with the helmet, with a smart phone.
Pac Fire is proud to be the distributor of the BR9 and the rest of the Pacific Helmets range throughout Australia.
For more information, go to pacfire.com.au
