Turnout gear must be dried thoroughly after washing without subjecting it to damaging heat. Air drying outdoors in direct sunlight speeds up drying and helps reduce residual moisture and odors, while not using a heat source that could stress fabrics, sealants, or fasteners. The sun’s warmth also aids evaporation across all layers when the gear is spread or hung properly so air can circulate around every part. Drying indoors with heat or using a tumble dryer applies heat that can weaken materials, distort components, or trap moisture, increasing the risk of mold or odor. Drying out of sunlight is slower and less effective at sanitizing, so direct sun is a practical compromise that dries quickly while avoiding the hazards of heat-based methods. After drying, ensure all parts are completely dry before storage.

The material behind the yellow brush jacket and pants is Nomex IIA aramid fabric, specifically a blend of 93% Nomex, 5% Kevlar, and 2% carbon fiber. Nomex provides excellent flame resistance and slows heat transfer, which is essential for brush work. Kevlar contributes added tensile strength and abrasion resistance, helping the fabric hold up to wear. The small amount of carbon fiber reinforces the fabric further, improving dimensional stability and durability without making the garment too stiff or heavy. This combination is chosen to balance heat protection, durability, and mobility for wildland brush PPE. Other mixes would either lack the reinforcement and stability provided by carbon fiber or deviate from the standard Nomex IIA formulation, which is why they’re not used.

PPE class designations reflect the level and type of protection the clothing provides for specific hazards. Turnout gear is the protective ensemble firefighters wear for structural fire attack, designed mainly to shield against heat and flames and to give some physical protection. In this drill’s labeling system, that standard firefighting gear is categorized as Class D. It isn’t a fully encapsulated or chemically protective suit, and it isn’t designed for high-risk hazards like chemical exposure or arc flash, which are covered by other classes. So, the turnout gear being Class D fits its purpose as basic fire-ground protection rather than advanced hazard protection.

The Gore Crosstech insert acts as a protective barrier against hazardous biological and chemical contaminants. It’s designed to resist penetration by viral, chemical, and bloodborne agents, helping prevent those substances from reaching the skin. It also blocks liquid penetration while still allowing moisture to escape, which aids in comfort and breathability. This layer isn’t meant for thermal insulation, UV protection, or impact resistance—the roles of insulation, sun protection, and impact protection come from other parts of the PPE system.