What does Chicago wear for turnout gear

[tshayes]

I was wondering this because all of the enw pictures I see show them with 3/4 boots which are not NFPA compliant. What do they wear. Who makes their gear if you know.

[Jonathan Bastian]

Chicago still issues 3/4 gear to all members. I believe the coats are now split between Morning Pride and Securitex, depending on who is buying them (Commissary, Training, etc.).

Chicago is "still" evaluating turnout gear; they were expected to buy it last year. Now, they are expected to buy it next year.

[tshayes]

So thats why I dont see pictures of them making hard psuhes into burning buildings. Plus what does NFPA think about that. What about OSHA? It seems to me that somthing is slipping in the administration that they still dont have turnout gear.

[Jonathan Bastian]

Originally posted by tshayes
So thats why I dont see pictures of them making hard psuhes into burning buildings. Plus what does NFPA think about that. What about OSHA? It seems to me that somthing is slipping in the administration that they still dont have turnout gear.

I am not aware of any photos of any fire dept making a "hard push". A hard push is interior work...not a lot of photographers get interior shots. If you are implying that CFD is not agressive in fire attack, I think our brothers from Chicago might seriously challenge that notion. Plus, isn't it usually the 3 and 4 alarm fires that get all the photographers? Why push hard on a 3-alarm job? Potential victims are dead and the building is already destined to be torn down. "Risk a lot to save a lot; risk nothing to save nothing."

NFPA only sets standards; they do not write laws or regulations; they do not have enforcement power. With the exception of a few specific states, any fire department can choose to buy or wear non-NFPA compliant turnouts, helmets, hose, fire trucks, or whatever. For example, while FDNY may have NFPA turnouts, they do not issue NFPA helmets.

I am not aware of an OSHA standard for municipal fire department protective clothing. There are respiratory regulations, head protection and eye protection regulations, etc. Also, fire brigades (industrial) have specific requirements.

[FiremedicMike]

If I recall correctly, Boston FD decided a few years ago to allow their members to not use their issued bunker pants, but go back to 3/4s if they choose. I believe their reasoning was that bunker pants caused an increase in heat stress..

Someone please correct me if I'm mistaken..

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Re: HARD PUSH

Come on out and show em' how its done tshayes..

[FFMcDonald]

Boston FD

All I can say is :

Just 'cause you wouldn't do it - doesn't mean it's wrong. There are many ways to accomplish the task.

All you do is have to pick one.

Me - personally - I like my bunker pants and plan on wearing them. That doesn't make Boston, Chicago, or San Francisco any less effective at what they do.

For those of you who wish to read it - Boston FD still has the policy on their website: here's the link-

http://www.ci.boston.ma.us/bfd/news/New_Bunker_Gear_Policy.htm

[Weruj1]

we just discussed this not to long ago................search it out for more information ............and Adze I beleive you are correct.


PS-I would CERTAINLY highly suggest that you clairfy or remove your post about Chitown FF's not going inside.......they see more frie than most of have in a career.

[tshayes]

I am sorry if I ruffled any feathers It was a stupid remark. I am so used to full gear and the way 99.99% of the departments I have it that I was surprised that they still wear 3/4 boots. If it works why change it.

[Weruj1]

good job ! I am proud of you ............now search on for the rest of the story !

[Rescue101]

New vs old

Tooshay,I spent the first third of my 35 yr career fighting Heavy fire not only in my dinky little village but also in Portland during the Fire storms of the 70's in 3/4s with a long coat.Just as much interior was done in that period as today.You can have your "full"gear;I wear it 'cause I have to but mobility and fire "sense" was higher with to "old"ensemble.In those days it was not uncommon to use three or four bottles of air and still be good to go.Rehab was non existant,and not needed as much as today.Burns?Yes,if you didn't pay attention you could get burned.Anything really changed today?I know you guys are going to blast me on "flashover".Well,when your ears were folding over and your knees were turning red one of two things happened.You either killed the dragon or vacated your position,you generally couldn't stay in a flashover or near flashover situation.I think the "option"is great;Eventually perhaps the government will learn they can't legislate common sense.That,like crust,has to be learned;and EARNED.That being said,I think the new gear does a good job but like anything else there is a trade off.I used to wear steel Scba too,you wanna wrestle for my Carbon?T.C.

[tshayes]

I think that the new gear lets us (firemen) go to deep into a building without realizing our limitations and air supply. I understand common sense but atleast you feel the heat and get an idea of what is good and not good by wearing the 3/4 boots.

[Weruj1]

what are you saying ? one minute you are complaining about non NFPA compliancy then you all of a sudden say that the new stuff gets you to "deep" I see you have been a FF for 3 years how would you ever know the difference ? and what side of the fence are you on ?

[tshayes]

I am on no side. I am an american and have the free will to change my mind anywhich way. But back to the subject. I prefere the full turnout gear any day but I also think that the new stuff also gives some a false sense in fires due to the fact that you cant feel how hot it really is till it is to late. If I had to choose I would take my full turnout gear and use it everyday. I ditched my 3/4 boots a few years ago and have never looked back.

[TillerMan25]

It appears they are wearing long coats and 3/4 length boots. As far as the helmet goes, looks like a Cairns 1000 Classic. I don't know about hoods and it looks like they wear pretty standard firefighting gloves.

I saw a picture of some guys from Frisco on a job and it looked like they were wearing Leather Lids, Medium length coats and Work boots with blue dungarees. The boots may have been Pro-Warrington Zip Ups....any San Francisco guys can clarify your turnouts???