A flame resistant fiber blend includes a plurality of modacrylic flame resistant fibers comprising a first weight percentage of the fiber blend; a plurality of non-flame resistant hydrophilic/absorbent fibers comprising a second weight percentage of the fiber blend, wherein the second weight percentage is greater than the first weight percentage; and a plurality of second flame resistant fibers comprising a third weight percentage of the fiber blend. In one implementation, the fiber blend includes 20 wt % to 45 wt % of modacrylic flame resistant fibers; 40 wt % to 75 wt % of hydrophilic/absorbent fibers; and 5 wt % to 30 wt % of second flame resistant fibers. The flame resistant fiber blend is used to form flame resistant yarns, fabrics, and garments formed thereof.