Forest Fire SUIT Firefighters on the scene of a forest fire face very different conditions than those responding to urban fires, and their protective suits must be adapted accordingly. Exposed to the elements and the hot sun, they engage in physically demanding activities like digging, chopping, and shoveling that cause them to overheat very quickly. They wear long pants under their gear for added protection, which also raises their body temperature. To top it off, forest fires tend to last longer than urban fires. Forest fire jackets and pants are lighter than traditional firefighting protective gear to allow for greater mobility, and their unique insulation keeps firefighters cool by allowing body heat to escape. Knee, elbow, and shoulder areas can be reinforced for additional protection and durability.
Fire Shelter The personal fire shelter is a last resort life-saving measure employed when planned escape routes or safety zones become inadequate and entrapment is imminent. Essential for firefighting in forest-like environments, the shelter— which folds into a pouch on the firefighting suit—is designed to reflect radiant heat, protect against convective heat, and trap breathable air, a critical feature since most firefighting deaths are caused by gas inhalation. The shelter’s outer layer is made of aluminum foil (which reflects radiant heat) bonded to woven silica cloth (responsible for slowing the passage of heat to the inside of the shelter). An inner layer of aluminum foil laminated onto fiberglass prevents heat from re-radiating to the person inside the shelter. When deployed, the moundshaped shelter’s dimensions are 86” x 15.5” x 31”.