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How many little kids say that when they grow up they want to be firefighters? This extreme occupation is as exciting as it is terrifying. People have to march into a house of flames with only the aid of turnout gear or specially designed fire retardant equipment. Learn more about this powerful gear and the firefighters who depend on it.

No Such Thing as “Safe” Turnout Gear

The search for truly safe turnout gear is far from over. The word “safe” can even be misleading, as it suggests that there’s a magical suit you can put on that will make you invulnerable to the elements. But fire is one of nature’s most destructive forces, and we are yet to create gear that perfectly protects firefighters from the flames.

That said, fire departments do a lot of research to find the most safe gear for their firefighters. Any protective shell you wear won’t keep you safe unless you also have an intimate knowledge of fire safety and protocol. There are no easy answers in firefighting, but we’re getting there.

Most Firefighting Gear Weighs Between 8 -10 Pounds

Some companies producing turnout gear boast of “lightweight” or “breathable” gear. Chances are, this is a very relative statement. In other words, the weight range of turnout gear is a pretty slim margin: eight to ten pounds. There are, of course, certain fabric combinations that will offer a competitive amount of protection while weighing in a little lighter. But with all things considered, the difference is nearly negligible.

One common feature used in firefighter gear to make it seem lighter is an extra-slippery inner liner. This makes the gear easier to put on and take off, which in turn may make it feel lighter. And despite the fact that it isn’t actually the weight that is different, this fabric definitely does offer a versatility that many firefighters prefer.

Fire Retardant Clothes Thermally Decompose

All turnout gear to be used in an official firefighting capacity must get the seal of approval from the National Fire Protection Association, especially meeting the codes outlined in Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting. One of the primary requirements for turnout gear is for it to be fireproof or retardant. This means that the turnout gear will actually thermally decompose when exposed to extreme heat.

The clothes will decompose from a solid to a vapor, in essence skipping the liquid stage. This is an essential quality because if your clothes turn to scalding liquid, it will stick to the skin and cause potentially lethal burns. So the essence of fireproof clothes is the ability for them to vaporize rather than turn to liquid.

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