Firefighters must come appropriately equipped to deal with the ongoing hazards of their jobs. Forest firefighters, in particular, need specialized equipment for coping with blazes in the natural environment, which are harder to predict and control.
If you want to keep yourself safe, you’ll need the proper PPE. Here’s the essential protective gear for forest firefighters.
Fire Shrouds and Masks
The traditional breathing masks that urban firefighters wear are bulky and only last a short amount of time. They’re for quickly going into a residential or commercial building and rescuing individuals in short spurts. Forest firefighters need something light that they can wear for long periods.
An N95 mask covers the face and filters the particulates in the air while protecting against potential burns. If you’re looking for a proper FR face cover for forestry management, you can get a face shield, shroud, or hot shield to improve your mobility while staying safe.
Brush Jacket
Wildland firefighters also need a lightweight jacket that’s more mobile than the standard PPE regular firefighters wear. The constantly changing environmental conditions encountered while on the job mean they need something versatile enough to handle hot and cold temperatures.
A pair of brush pants and a jacket will give you resistance against hazards without limiting mobility. High-quality materials reduce the amount of drag you get from passing through the brush without wearing out the fabric. This type of PPE is perfect for those operating in woodland areas.
Fire Shelter
Firefighters work in uncertain circumstances where things can quickly change for the worse without warning. This danger is especially prevalent in forest firefighting, where large flames can suddenly change direction and put the lives of field workers in danger.
When working in forests, firefighters should always have fire shelters that allow them to take cover if they get trapped in a blaze. Fire shelters are a last resort for forest firefighters. They’re made of aluminum, silica, and fiberglass to limit contact with heat and flames and provide a thermally insulated barrier.
Stay Safe While in the Field With the Proper PPE
Fires can be dangerous, no matter how big they are. If you’re a forest firefighter, don’t risk your life by failing to invest in the proper PPE.
Getting the essential protective gear for forest firefighters will protect you from hazards in dangerous situations.