What safety devices do firefighters typically wear?

Firefighters typically wear both air respirators and fire suits as essential safety devices during operations.

Air respirators are critical for providing breathable air in environments where smoke, toxic gases, or low oxygen levels are present. These devices ensure that firefighters can perform their duties without risking asphyxiation or inhalation of harmful substances.

Fire suits, often referred to as turnout gear or personal protective equipment (PPE), offer thermal protection and are designed to shield firefighters from the extreme heat and flames encountered during wildland and structural firefighting. The materials used in these suits provide insulation, moisture resistance, and some level of fire resistance.

Using both air respirators and fire suits together significantly enhances a firefighter's safety and ability to operate in hazardous environments, making them standard practice in fire service operations.