While the flame-resistant fabrics in use today are the result of very modern technological advancements, the idea of treating materials to make them safer in the event of fire goes back centuries, and can even be traced to the ancient Romans, who used animal hides soaked in water to prevent siege towers from catching fire when the enemy shot burning arrows at them.
The evolution of FR has been driven by market forces and needs as wide-ranging as entertainment, the military, consumer goods and, of course, work wear. Demand led to experimentation and innovation. Applications in one sector – such as the military – found their way to other areas. Regulations also played a role in the development of FR in terms of mandating its use in certain products and limiting its effects on the environment.