The Cole County Fire Protection District has received 25 sets of new custom-fitted protective bunker gear to replace some of its older current sets.
District officials said the gear includes coats and pants that help protect firefighters when they enter burning buildings or perform vehicle extrication. Each set weighs approximately 40 pounds. The gear includes a self-contained breathing apparatus, which weighs about 70 pounds.
Over time, the gear sees normal wear and tear from performing firefighting duties, so replacing older gear is a matter of firefighter safety, district officials said.
The cost to outfit 25 firefighters was more than $45,000. The district expects to purchase another 25 sets in the near future.