NSW RFS PACIFIC BR9 WILDLAND HELMET

It meets the NSW RFS Bushfire Helmet Specification which includes certification to:

• The NSW RFS is certified to AS/NZS 1801:1997 Type 3 (Standards Australia / New Zealand – Occupational Protective Helmets: Wildland Firefighting)
• It’s important to note that all 4 pieces of reflective trim and the neck protector needs to be fitted to your helmet to meet the standard.

1. The NSW RFS BR9 includes 2 rear rubber goggle straps (to secure and retain single strap goggles).
2. Standard BR9 Helmets traditionally come with 5 piece 3M™ 680 White/Silver Trim supplied loose, the NSW RFS BR9 will come with Avery Dennison® VisiFlex™ V-8000 in Fluorescent Yellow-Green. 4 Pieces. Supplied fitted to helmet.
3. NSW RFS service decal, fitted to the helmet.

You can view an outline of the major components via the NSW RFS Helmet Hub or refer to the electronic product information.

The distribution process will be based on a FIFO (First In, First Out) model. Based on the submission times of each brigade’s request form, this will determine the order in which requests are fulfilled with the vendor. Due to the volume of helmets the distribution will be ongoing with approximately 1000 helmets being receipted and dispatched per week.

There is no prioritisation, as per “When will I be receiving my BR9 Helmet“, regardless of Area, District or locality, the distribution plan is based on the most equitable and fair model of distribution.

No, the current mass rollout is in conjunction with the DGR utilising donated funds. Helmets will not be available on the catalogue for generally RFS purchasing until this allocation is exhausted. This is due to supplier limitations on production capacities.


The BR9 is not the only helmet that can be worn on the fire ground, the HF46 and older style HF44 are still fit for purpose and can still be worn on the fire ground. For further information, please refer to Service Standard 5.1.5.

Yes, the current issued helmet (HF46) is still fit for purpose and will remain available on the RFS catalogue for the foreseeable future.

The BR9 will be fitted out with all possible attachment points, eg torch base plate, earmuff brackets, goggle posts etc. Helmets will come standard with a visor, 6-point cradle, carry bag, and neck flap. An allocation of torches and ear muffs will be made available to each firefighting appliances for Brigade use.

Please make contact with the helmet coordination team at Helmets@rfs.nsw.gov.au. They will provide assistance and direction on ensuring that a replacement helmet or component is dispatched as soon as possible.

All helmets will be issued along with sticker kits based on individuals ranks/roles as shown in the membership records. This will determine the colour of helmets dispatched.

Helmet requests will be filled based on total numbers requested along with sticker kits.

These helmets are not individually allocated in the shipment and rank stickers will be distributed to the appropriate persons based on the status at time of receipt for fitting.

No, these helmets are not intended to be an all-rounder helmet. The ear muffs are for general firefighting use eg, around pumps etc. Chainsaw helmets should be used when operating a chainsaw along with other required PPE such as chaps.

The Pacific range of helmets come with a Ratchet Adjustable Headband which has been designed to accommodate head sizes between 52-65cm.

To adjust the size of your helmet to fit your head, rotate the ratchet control knob to expand or contract headband to provide comfortable but firm fit. A correctly adjusted helmet should fit the wearer’s head without the chinstrap needing to be done up.

A downsizing kit is available if your helmet still feels too large after adjusting the ratchet control knob. The downsizing kit B2138630, includes two pieces of foam. The blue piece fits behind the front merino comfort padding – if the helmet still feels too large, fit the black piece to the back of the helmet under the rear merino comfort padding.

You can read more about fitting in your NSW RFS BR9 user manual. If you’ve misplaced the manual it’s available electronically – download it here.

Should the standard size not be a suitable fit > 65cm, please liaise with the helmet coordinator for further assistance: helmets@rfs.nsw.gov.au.

We have a video that will help you with that!
https://youtu.be/mIsvD29mpO0

Remember to place your helmet on something soft prior to commencing any work to protect the paint finish.

A full list of videos that have been produced for the BR9 are available through the Helmet Hub.

The soft components (the chinstrap, neck protector and comfort padding) are machine washable.

Detach from the helmet then put the items in a washing machine with warm water not hotter than 40°C. Use an approved detergent in an amount according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pac Fire and Pacific Helmets recommend NFPA 1851 Compliant CitroSqueeze for textiles and soft helmet comments. Air dry in a well ventilated space where the components are not exposed to direct sunlight.

Remove the Face Shield and clean with a soft cloth or sponge.

The shell and other hard components of the helmet can be completely submerged in water for a thorough clean. Make sure the water is no hotter than 40°C and you use an approved detergent, like SC-14.

Remove any residual water and hang dry in a well ventilated area that is not exposed to direct sunlight.

Comprehensive cleaning and maintenance instructions are available in the NSW RFS BR9 user guide which comes with the helmet or is available electronically.

Refer to manufacturers condemnation rules.

The helmet does not have an expiry date but users should follow the previous prescribed recommendations along with frequent inspections of the helmet.

Helmet life expectancy is always a challenging one to ascertain as there are several factors at play-  how the helmet is stored, the care and maintenance practices undertaken and the frequency of helmets’ operational exposure and use (refer to the maintenance and care instructions on the Helmet Hub portal on receipt).

For external helmet shell If the external shell has been subjected to an excessive blow and/or the Kevlar shows sign of softness then the helmet should be replaced.

For internal components, please visually inspect on a routine basis through the care and maintenance instructions and replace any components that are showing areas of significant wear or malfunction.

Volunteers are not expected to purchase consumable components of a helmet. Required components will be made available through Districts from the SAP catalogue.

Approved accessories for the BR9 helmets will be made available for purchase on the RFS Helmet Hub portal and through the RFSA for individuals. Should Brigades wish to purchase accessories, these are available through the standard procurement process at Districts and should be discussed with your Captain. Please note that any other attachments procured outside of these means, could potentially void the helmet warranty and its structural integrity.


No, Name stickers will not be provided for helmets. The stickers (hi-vis and rank stickers where applicable) ear muffs and goggle bands when attached, will utilise any space where a name may be accommodated.

Check the inside rear of your helmet, there should be a small barcode attached to the shell. Turn your mobile phones camera on and hold it over the code. Tap the website address that appears – this will take your o the NSW RFS Helmet Hub. The Helmet Hub includes all the information that was issued with your helmet as electronic downloads, and more.

You can get to the Helmet Hub from a desktop computer using the following website URL: https://www.pacfire.com.au/nsw-rfs-resource-centre/

Yes of course, we appreciate that volunteers have already purchased equipment off their own accord and do not want to disadvantage anybody for doing so. It is requested that whole brigades who have purchased helmets utilising funds, indicate this on their order to allow for prioritisation of other brigades first. These brigades however, will still receive their allocation of BR9’s.

1. If you have questions, you can check the Helmet Hub for information that you need. Get to the Helmet Hub by using the QR code inside your helmet or navigate directly there using this link: https://www.pacfire.com.au/nsw-rfs-resource-centre/
2. You can send us a message via the Helmet Hub using the contact form on the right hand side of the page.
3. You can email us anytime using the nswrfs@pacfire.com.au email address.
4. You can private message us on Facebook, search for Pac Fire and hit the “message” button. You can also reach our Facebook page using this link: https://www.facebook.com/pacfire/
5. You can call us using the NSW RFS Hot-line which is attended between 8:30am – 4:30pm, call, 1300 679 373