What Is Turnout Gear?

In the beginning of the 20th century, the protective clothing worn by fire fighters - commonly known as "turnout gear" or "bunker gear" - included thick wool trousers, a heavy red wool shirt, a hefty and cumbersome rubber slicker and a heavy wool tunic. Wool had become the popular go-to choice at the time due to its capacity for shielding against heat, and its (somewhat limited) water-resistance capabilities. Knee-high leather boots were initially worn in the early years across the firefighting industry, before the eventual introduction of rubber boots. ..»