The London Fire Brigade today unveiled new gold kit — including special coats for two investigation dogs.
From today the capital’s 4,800 firefighters will wear updated tunics and trousers.
All staff will also receive a fluorescent helmet, protective hood to be worn underneath, leather and rubber boots and two types of gloves.
The updated helmets now have built-in torches in addition to the chest torches all firefighters wear.
For the first time, they will also get rescue gloves, which are lightweight and are better for working on non-fire related incidents like road accidents.
Meanwhile English springer spaniel Simba and working cocker Sherlock have got new matching coats to go with the paw protection boots they have worn for a number of years.
The new kit is the biggest change to the LFB’s uniform in eight years, and has been designed to show up dirt and damage more easily.
This means if firefighters get covered in potentially harmful fluids it is easier to identify, or if the clothing is ripped — leaving skin exposed — it is more noticeable.
It is made of PBI Gold fabric that is fireproof and only starts to deteriorate or melt at over 700C.
Firefighter Haley Moloney, 32, from Blue Watch at Shoreditch fire station, said the new kit was “lightweight and breathable and generally more practical”, adding: “I wasn’t mad about the colour to start with, but it is a lot lighter, more breathable, light and efficient.
“It is just important now that people know we’ve changed kit. Otherwise they might not know who we are when we turn up.”
Deputy LFB commissioner Tom George said: “Modern firefighting is so much more than rushing into burning buildings.
“We needed a kit that could support and protect crews in a range of incidents whether fighting fires, freeing people trapped in crashed cars or complex rescues from collapsed buildings.
“Tunics and leggings are individually tailored for each firefighter’s build and physique so they allow crews to easily get to work while keeping them as safe as possible. As you would expect, the kit underwent rigorous testing by firefighters in real fire conditions and other rescue scenarios.
“It’s important the public know what our staff look like when they see crews out and about. We’ve come a long way since the days of woollen tunics and the iconic thin plastic yellow leggings. This new kit is the gold standard.”
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The final kit design was part of a national redesign. Scotland, Tyne & Wear, Hampshire and Buckinghamshire fire and rescue services are already wearing the new kit.
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