Over the past couple of years, 5.11 Tactical Series®, maker of innovative tactical gear for law enforcement, military and fire professionals, has received numerous requests from first responders, firefighters and EMS operators asking for apparel developed specifically for them. Interestingly, during that same time period, 5.11 had been working with bomb squads and special ops units to create a line of comfortable, fire retardant clothing to meet their unique requirements. The resulting apparel is ideal for all public safety personnel due to their similar operational needs.
Always working to enhance the safety, efficiency and comfort of specialized end-users both on and off the job, 5.11 recently introduced revolutionary FR-x3(tm) fabric -- an exciting breakthrough in fire retardant technology that feels "broken in" from day one. It's so pleasant and wearable, you'd never know the fabric was fire retardant. Although it feels as great as your favorite cotton t-shirt and khakis, this state-of-the-art material doesn't shrink, curl, melt or drip when exposed to flame -- and instantly self-extinguishes.
"This unique fabric is not only for firefighters, but also benefits military and law enforcement personnel," says Francisco Morales, president of 5.11 Tactical. "While it isn't designed to provide exterior protection like turnout gear offers, it is worn as a base layer that delivers enhanced skin protection underneath a uniform during fire rescues and other volatile situations. Because the fabric doesn't catch fire or melt onto skin, it's safer than wearing regular cotton or many of the other traditional fire-retardant fabrics."
Exclusive to 5.11 Tactical®, the fabric contains a proprietary blend of 51% S.P.(tm) cotton and 49% FR-x3 modacrylic fiber. It offers cotton's natural breathability, comfort and ease of care, yet its fire-retardant properties are permanent. They're integral to the fabric and won't wash or wear out. FR-x3 meets and exceeds minimum standards in NFPA 1975 requirements for no-drip, char length and after-flame properties according to ASTM D6413.
When exposed to flame, FR-x3-blended fibers create a char barrier that offers extra skin protection and greater safety. The fabric's high cotton ratio gives it excellent anti-static properties as well.