Two Minutes – Tops
It takes less than two minutes for a Bolivar firefighter to don all the gear necessary to enter the battle with fire.
Strategically placed in each crew member’s open locker are:
Boots and bunker pants
Heavy bunker pants offer three layers of protection
- An abrasive layer
- A water barrier
- A thermal layer
Bunker Coat and Vest
The heavy bunker coat also offers layers of protection. the ones with velcro fasteners are equipped with firefighters names.
The vest is removed for fire situations as it will melt.
Fire Gloves
Depending on the situation to be encountered, there are also extrication gloves made of kevlar; and utility gloves, which might be used for cleaning hoses.
Helmet
All gear has a shelf life of ten years, regardless of wear.
Face Mask, Hood & Bag
The hood is fire retardant
Self-contained Breathing Apparatus
These tanks are kept in the trucks, where firefighters are able to buckle into them (like a seat belt) while on their way to a scene.
After a fire run, all gear must be cleaned. Coats, pants and gloves are put into a “gear washer,” while helmets, masks and tanks are cleaned by hand. Then everything is set up in a locker, ready for the next call.
One complete set of turnout gear, which includes pants, boots, coat, helmet and gloves costs $2,500. (as of 2014)
