Firefighting Suits

56 years ago

🔥 Everything You Need to Know About Firefighting Suits

Complete Guide by Fire Hunter Co (Sayaad Alnaar Company)

When firefighters go into action, they step into some of the most dangerous environments on Earth. From blazing heat and open flames to falling debris and chemical exposure — they face it all. To protect them, every layer of their clothing must serve a life-saving purpose. That’s where firefighting suits come in.

At Fire Hunter Co (also known as Sayaad Alnaar Company), we specialize in providing certified, high-quality firefighting gear across the UAE, GCC, and beyond. In this article, we take a deep dive into what firefighting suits are, how they are made, and why every detail — from the reflective tape to the thread — matters.

🧯 What is a Firefighting Suit?

A firefighting suit (also called a bunker suit, turnout gear, or fire proximity suit) is a specially engineered piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect firefighters from heat, flames, steam, impact, and chemicals. These suits are multi-layered and built to withstand extreme conditions while offering enough flexibility for the firefighter to perform rescues, operate tools, and stay mobile.

🧵 How Firefighting Suits Are Made – Layer by Layer

Firefighting suits are typically composed of three to four main layers, each serving a specific purpose:

1. Outer Shell (Flame Resistance & Durability)

Material: Aramid fibers such as Nomex®, Kevlar®, PBI®, or Basofil
Purpose: Protects against direct flame, abrasion, and harsh weather.
Feature: Durable, flame-retardant, and water-resistant

2. Moisture Barrier

Material: Laminated membranes such as PTFE (GORE-TEX®)
Purpose: Prevents water, steam, and chemicals from reaching the inner layers.
Feature: Breathable to allow sweat to escape while keeping hazards out

3. Thermal Barrier

Material: Quilted aramid felt or non-woven insulation layers
Purpose: Insulates against radiant and convective heat
Feature: Maintains core body temperature in high-heat environments

4. Liner or Comfort Layer

Material: Lightweight, breathable fabric (often Nomex®-based)
Purpose: Provides comfort and sweat management
Feature: Can be removed for cleaning or replacement in some models

🧩 Parts of a Complete Firefighting Suit

A firefighting suit is not just a coat and pants. It’s a full-body ensemble designed to offer 360° protection. Here’s a breakdown of every component:

🧥 1. Jacket (Coat)

Multi-layered construction
Includes reflective striping (EN 469 or NFPA standard)
Closure: Zipper + Velcro or heavy-duty snap systems
Extended collar to protect neck and lower jaw

👖 2. Trousers (Pants)

Suspenders for support
Articulated knees for flexibility
Reinforced crotch and leg areas
Fireproof cuffs with boot overlap

👢 3. Firefighting Boots

Steel or composite toe
Heat-resistant rubber or leather
Slip-resistant and puncture-proof sole
Optional metatarsal guard

🧤 4. Fire-Resistant Gloves

Made of Nomex®, Kevlar®, or leather combinations
Waterproof inner liner
Extended cuffs to overlap jacket sleeves

🧢 5. Protective Hood (Flash Hood or Balaclava)

Made from double-layered Nomex® or PBI
Covers the head, ears, neck, and throat
Worn under the helmet to seal off exposed skin

⛑ 6. Firefighter Helmet

High-heat polycarbonate or fiberglass shell
Internal impact liner
Face shield or visor
Neck protector at the back

😷 7. SCBA Harness (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)

Worn over the suit
Air tank + full-face mask
Essential in smoke-filled or toxic environments

🔥 Types of Firefighting Suits

Firefighting suits vary depending on intended use, temperature exposure, and environment:

1. Structural Firefighting Suit

Designed for indoor fires (buildings, urban areas)
EN 469 / NFPA 1971 compliant
Heavily insulated for high radiant heat

2. Proximity Firefighting Suit

Reflective aluminized outer layer
Used in aircraft rescue, fuel fires, and military
Reflects 90–95% of radiant heat

3. Wildland Firefighting Suit

Lightweight, breathable
Protects from brush fires, not structural
Allows more mobility during long-distance walking

4. Technical Rescue Suit

Less thermal protection but more flexibility
For vehicle accidents, rope rescues, and confined space rescues

🔬 How Resistant Are Firefighting Suits?

Firefighting suits are tested under international standards:

Flame Resistance: Withstands over 260°C (500°F) for several minutes
Radiant Heat: Reflective proximity suits protect against 800–1000°C
Water Resistance: Moisture barrier prevents steam and chemical burns
Tear Strength: Tensile strength ensures durability under tension
Thermal Protection Performance (TPP): Indicates how long a suit can protect against second-degree burns

🔥 A suit’s resistance is measured by its ability to delay heat transfer, allowing a firefighter crucial seconds to act or retreat before injury occurs.

📏 Certifications & Standards

When purchasing a suit, always ensure it meets certified standards such as:

EN 469 – European standard for firefighting PPE
NFPA 1971 – USA standard for structural firefighting
EN ISO 11612 – Protection against heat and flame
EN 343 – Waterproof and breathable standard
EN 659 – Standard for firefighter gloves
EN 15090 – Standard for firefighter footwear

At Fire Hunter Co, we only supply suits certified by international authorities, ensuring full compliance for civil defense, oil & gas, and industrial use.