Bunker Gear

Q: Where did the term "Bunker Gear" originate?

A: Most professional firefighters work 24 hour shifts. At night they are allowed to go to sleep until they are requested for service. In order to reduce the time it takes to respond to an emergency, firefighters years ago began to place their firefighting gear next to their bunks at night - hence the term, "Bunker Gear".

Bunker gear, consisting of a fire resistant jacket and pants replaced the raincoat style turnout coat in the early 1990s. These thickly lined, fire-resistant pants and overcoats that work in conjunction with rubber Fire Boots, "Nomex" Hoods and poly carbonate, plastic Helmets provide the necessary thermal barrier to protect against flames.

Bunker Gear is probably the best-known symbol of modern firefighting. The image of a fully equipped firefighter becomes something akin to the image of a knight dressed in a full suit of armor, standing ready to fight the fire-breathing dragon.

Today's standard of custom-fit (for greatest protection) Bunker Gear that firefighters depend on to save their lives can run over $2,000 a set. This is a relatively small sum if you ask yourself a simple question... "How much is my life worth?"

Helmets & Boots