Greer, SC - fire resistant uniforms

Members of the Greer Fire Department, pictured above in a training exercise,
are less likely to suffer serious or fatal burns thanks to new fire resistant uniforms.

Greer firefighters find security
in new fire resistant uniforms

The old saying goes that “clothes make the man.”

In the fire service industry, the new take on the saying is that “clothes protect the firefighter.”

The Greer Fire Department has taken that saying to heart by purchasing work uniforms manufactured from Nomex fire resistant fabric. The uniforms, worn beneath turnout gear, give firefighters a new level of security against suffering serious burns on the job.

“We’re excited to be one of the first fire departments in South Carolina to use this technology,” Lt. Paul Brown said. “This really does give us another level of protection because the material self-extinguishes, significantly reducing any burn injury. It has been proven that fire resistant clothing saves lives.”

Brown said the Greer department was considering purchasing the uniforms before nine members of the Charleston Fire Department died while fighting a blaze last June. The tragedy did, however, accelerate a sense of urgency in providing new safety measures for Greer’s firefighters.

“The fire resistant uniforms cost more in the short run, but they have a life span of two to five years as opposed to one year with a cotton uniform. More importantly, the Nomex uniforms drastically reduce the possibility and expense of a serious burn injury,” Brown said.

Each Greer firefighter has been provided with three short-sleeve shirts, one long-sleeve shirt, and three pairs of pants manufactured from Nomex material. The average cost, Brown said, is slightly more than twice the cost of all-cotton uniforms.

“They’re very comfortable and durable,” Brown said. “All the feedback I’ve received so far has been very positive.”

Safety has long been at the forefront for the Greer Fire Department, which was among the first departments in the state to switch from polyester blend uniforms to all-cotton garments in 2001. Polyester fibers melt and adhere to skin, “which basically shrink wraps you if you get into a fire,” according to Brown. All-cotton fabrics reduce that threat, but remain fully flammable.

“Making the move to fire resistant material is a tremendous step forward,” Brown said. “You simply cannot put a price on a life. We’re very grateful to the city and to council for making these uniforms possible.”