This blog post examines the technological evolution of the fire-resistant suits used by firefighters and considers whether societal interest and investment in them are adequate.
Fire-resistant suits are garments designed to block fire. Firefighters must rush into flames to save lives in extreme environments, making fire-resistant suits more than just protective gear—they are essential life-saving equipment. Fire-resistant suits block the dangers of heat and fire, designed to allow firefighters to perform their duties safely. Furthermore, the importance of fire-resistant suits is growing daily due to the increasing frequency and intensity of large-scale fires caused by rapid climate change.
Heat-resistant suits offer greater protection against fire and heat than firefighting suits. These suits are made by applying an aluminum coating, but they are significantly less mobile compared to firefighting suits and are therefore rarely used on the field. Heat-resistant suits are generally used for post-fire operations like clearing dangerous embers or in specialized situations at industrial sites, rather than for fire suppression itself. To qualify as fire-resistant clothing, it must not only prevent fire and heat from penetrating the garment but also maintain its shape without disintegrating like ordinary clothing when exposed to extreme heat or flames.
Fire-resistant clothing primarily uses fibers from the meta-aramid and para-aramid families, with PBI (polybenzimidazole) fiber used for the outer layer. These fibers play a crucial role in protecting firefighters’ bodies even in high-temperature environments. Specifically, meta-aramid and para-aramid fibers maximize the durability and functionality of firefighting suits by leveraging their respective characteristics. Firefighting suits primarily use meta-aramid fibers as the main component and incorporate some para-aramid fibers.
First, regarding para-aramid fibers: Para-aramid fibers are extremely rigid materials with a high tensile strength of approximately 026 g/d and a tensile modulus of approximately 4601,100 g/d. Their low cost makes them widely used in many applications. A prime example is Kevlar, used to make bulletproof vests. In fire-resistant clothing, para-aramid fibers are used to supplement the lower strength of meta-aramid fibers, thereby enhancing the overall strength of the fire-resistant suit.
Meta-aramid fibers constitute the majority of the fabric in fire-resistant clothing and thus determine most of its properties. This fiber exhibits exceptional heat resistance and flame retardancy. Notably, it maintains over 70% of its strength even after 1,000 hours of exposure to temperatures exceeding 250°C, demonstrating excellent long-term heat resistance. Its high flame retardancy also significantly reduces the likelihood of combustion. These characteristics enable firefighters to operate for extended periods in high-temperature fire environments. Furthermore, even if it burns during firefighting operations, it releases relatively fewer toxic gases harmful to the body compared to other fibers, making it less hazardous to firefighters. Additionally, since firefighters often respond to industrial sites like factories, this fiber’s excellent electrical insulation reduces the risk of electrocution. Its superior chemical resistance also ensures safety during firefighting operations in chemical plants. This fiber exhibits minimal changes in size or strength with variations in temperature and humidity, and it is also easy to process into clothing, leading to its widespread use.
PBI (Polybenzimidazole) fiber boasts exceptional heat resistance and flame retardancy, maintaining its strength even at high temperatures. This fiber performs exceptionally well, especially when directly exposed to flames, enabling firefighters to confront high-temperature hazards. Like meta-aramid, it also boasts very low thermal conductivity, excellent chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance, making it the top choice for firefighting suit fabrics. However, its high cost limits its use primarily to outer layers.
Recent news articles frequently feature stories about firefighters. Particularly, concerns are growing about the harsh working conditions firefighters face and the shortage of equipment. While heartwarming stories exist, like the one about a woman donating money to buy firefighters new uniforms, there are also numerous reports of anger over the supply of uninspected items by the Ministry of Public Safety for firefighters’ clothing. These issues signify that firefighters, protecting public safety on the front lines, are not even receiving the minimum necessary protective equipment. Just as Iron Man is no more than an ordinary person without his suit, firefighters cannot save us from danger if their gear is inadequate. Just as Iron Man continually upgrades his suit to become stronger, we hope for greater investment and advancement in firefighting gear so that the heroes who save us can be safer and stronger.
Furthermore, continuous improvement is needed not only for firefighting suits but for all equipment and technology used by firefighters. In our rapidly changing environment, new types of fires and disasters are emerging, making the latest technology and equipment essential to prepare for them. Firefighters are not merely people who put out fires; they carry out the mission of rescuing lives and protecting property in various disaster situations. Given that the firefighting suits and equipment they use are directly linked to their safety, the government and society must pay more attention and invest more in firefighters’ equipment.
