Abstract: A flame retardant composition suitable for textile fabrics composed of natural or synthetic fibers, or blends thereof, comprising: one or more ammonium salts having flame retardant properties in admixture with a water soluble amide that thermally decomposes at temperatures below the ignition temperatures of the textile fabrics, the preferred embodiment of which is an admixture of ammonium phosphate, monobasic; ammonium phosphate, dibasic; ammonium sulphate; ammonium bromide; urea; and water; which composition can be topically applied in situ to natural or synthetic fibers, or blends thereof and dried by simple aeration to effectate flame retardability.