Firefighters have been issued with lightweight, fire-retardant suits as part of a new Wildfire Policy adopted by the Isle of Man’s Fire and Rescue Service.

All 155 fulltime and retained firefighters have received the new suits, funded by the Department of Home Affairs at a cost of around ?30,000.

They include boots, T-shirts and a kitbag.

The new one-piece flame retardant overall is made of gold nomex material, to reflect heat rather than absorb it, and allows a high level of protection along with freedom of movement.

James Davis reports (text from attached audio file):

Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Kirkham says the Fire Service has traditionally adapted to the changing needs of the community

It has become apparent in recent years, climate change is impacting on the Isle of Man in terms of the greater number of heathland and gorse fires we have seen, most notably the devastating Bradda Head fire in October 2003.

A Tynwald Select Committee looked into the Bradda Head fire and a number of recommendations made in their report in December 2005 have now been incorporated into the Wildfire Policy.

This included the provision of a greater number of offroad vehicles and the personal issue of the wildfire suits to firefighters, as the standard fire kit has proved too cumbersome during use in heath fires.

(Images, left to right:Firefighters David Callow and Brian Quirk; Fire and Rescue Service logo; David Callow, Brian Quirk and Leading Firefighter Gary Hinds. The officers are wearingn wildfire suits and the newest Pinzgauer offroad fire appliance is in the background).