What kind of gear do firefighters wear?
Firefighting, or turnout gear, provides the protection a firefighter needs on the job. These clothes and gear are heat resistant, waterproof and sturdy. They are also designed to be easily donned when an emergency occurs.PantsThe pants firefighters wear contain heat resistant insulation that protects in temperatures up to 1200 degrees F. The knees and bottom of the pants’ legs have leather for extra strength. They are held up using suspenders that have reflective tape on them.HelmetThe modern fire helmet is constructed of “thermoplastic,” which is lightweight and fire resistant. It also has a flap that extends over the ears made of Kevlar or Nomex, giving added heat protection. The helmet also protects against impact with debris and features goggles for better eye protection.SCBA GearThe Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) gear is crucial for fighting fires. It consists of a face mask, tank for air and a Personal Alert Safety System (PASS). The tank has air for around 30 to 45 mi