What type of gear must firefighters wear during firefighting operations?

Firefighters must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during firefighting operations to ensure their safety in hazardous environments. PPE is specifically designed to protect against the various dangers that firefighters face, such as heat, flames, smoke, and toxic substances. This equipment typically includes fire-resistant clothing, helmets, gloves, eye protection, and boots, which are all essential for minimizing the risk of injury.

Using casual clothing, standard uniforms, or regular work attire would not provide the necessary protection against the extreme conditions encountered during firefighting. Such clothing would be inadequate in protecting against burns, injuries from falling debris, or exposure to hazardous chemicals, which underscores the critical role that properly fitted and certified PPE plays in the safety and effectiveness of firefighting operations.