PHOTO - The Woodlands Fire Department recently unveiled an experimental uniform dryer, which was theorized, designed and constructed by one of its own.
One of the challenges all fire departments across the United States faces is drying of the heavy duty firefighting gear, often referred to in the profession as bunker gear or turnout gear. The official name is usually Personal Protection Equipment and includes a helment, a hood, protective pants and jacket as well as gloves and boots.
Fire Chief Alan Benson, of The Woodlands Department, said during fires and other incidents, the advanced protective gear becomes both wet and covered with potential contaminants such as ash or residue from what has been burning.