MNFIREHIRE

COMMON FIREFIGHTER GEAR

FACE PIECE - BREATHING AIR

The face piece protects the firefighters airway. Positive pressure breathing air is forced against the face so no toxic contaminants can enter the mask and harm the firefighter

AIR BOTTLE

The air bottle is filled with high pressure compressed air. This air is cleaned through filters and pressed into the bottles at pressures of 4500 pounds per square inch. The air capacity typically last up to 25 minutes before a firefighter has to leave the hazardous area.

FLASHLIGHT

Flashlights are important when the room is filled with black smoke and the lights are out. This is no typical flashlight. This one costs up to $200.00 U.S.

GLOVES

Leather gloves with a special vapor barrier built inside them protect the firefighters from steam burns.

BUNKER BOOTS

Firefighters have to wear approved equipment able to withstand heat up to 1500 deg F. Their boots are rubber or leather with a steel plate covering the toes, shins and bottom sole. Firefighters walk on all types of sharp and hot debris. The tops of these boots have straps to the firefighters can put them on quickly.

PERSONAL SAFETY ALARM

A Personal Alert Safety System alarms other firefighters when the firefighter is motionless for 45 seconds. When the alarms sounds, a high decibel alarm sounds so other firefighters can save them.

HELMET

The iconic U.S. fire helmet has been around for hundreds of years. The rear brim of the helmet was designed to keep hot debris and water from falling into the back of the neck. The rim allows water to roll off and out of his eyes. The shield identifies what truck or engine the firefighter arrived on.

BUNKER COAT

The coat can withstand up to 700 deg F. It has an integrated harness built into the shoulders to pull a firefighter out if needed.

AIR REGULATOR GUAGE

The regulator allows the firefighter to see how much air is left in his air bottle. A series of alarms and vibrations assist him in knowing when it is time to get out of the hazardous area.

BUNKER PANTS

The "turn-out" pant is an integral part of the firefighter uniform for structural firefighting. They are turned inside out around the boots for quick deployment into them. They can withstand up to 700 deg F for a short time.

HALLIGAN TOOL

The Axe and Halligan tool are known as the "Irons". They are used to force entry into an area.

FIRE AX

The firefighter ax is used for forcible entry into spaces such as doors, roofs, and walls. Today, new tools are being introduced into the fire service that may someday replace this long-standing tool.