Bunker Gear

[azle5208]

Hey out there,

We had a caree day last week and a little boy asked "Why do they call it bunker gear" I felt bad because in my nine years of being in the service i could not answer the question. So I need some help, I have searched every search engine I could and can not find the answer. So if any one knows were to find the answer or has the answer would ya'll fill me in so I will be able to answer that question if ever asked again, and so I can get back with this boy and answer his question I would be greatful.

Thanks
R. Pickett FF/Paramedic
Local 3627

[dmleblanc]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think early on it had something to do with being designed to jump into easily at night, i.e. the boots and protective pants set up for donning as the firefighter got up out his bed (or "bunk"). Such an arrangement would have been more practical than having to sleep with your pants on and donning the traditional 3/4 boots.

Watch the old episodes of "Emergency", you'll notice that they fight fires all day with just uniform pants and turnout coat and helmet, but they have more modern bunker pants and boots by their beds for night calls (which for some reason on "Emergency" were surprisingly rare ).

I think I read explanation along these lines somewhere. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.

[swbcff314]

Here's what I got from Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunker_gear

The name is derived from the fact that the pants and boots are traditionally kept by the firefighter's bunk at the fire station to be readily available for use.

[azle5208]

Ok thanks guys that is along the lines i was thinking just wanted to make sure

Randy Pickett FF/Paramedic
local 3627

[fireman4949]

Before I started with my dept., they used 3/4 boots in the daytime and bunkers only at night.

The 3/4s were referred to as "day boots" and the pants were called "bunkers", as they sat by your bunk at night.
"Night britches" is what some of the real old-timers would call them.