Modern Firefighting Equipment

The bunker coats on display range from before World War II to the present. The Morning Pride Manufacturing Co. furnished all the gear.

Before WWII, firefighters wore rubber bunker coats and rubber boots. The helmets were leather which, after being wet the first time, were very uncomfortable. After WWII, the coats were made from cotton duck material, leather boots were still used and helmets were made from aluminum or leather.

In 1970, the National Fire Protection Agency standard became a flame-retardant material called Nomex. Nomex remains intact until the temperatures are greater than 800 degrees, then the material is destroyed by the heat.

The NFPA also recommended the use of full-length bunker pants with boots, although most fire departments did not adopt them until several years later.

In the late 1980s, some departments went to PBI. This material is made of 40% PBI and 60% Kevlar. This suit will withstand a cigarette lighter burn for five minutes without hurting the material. This material is able to withstand temperatures of 1800 degrees. Kevlar is the same product used to make bulletproof vests.