GREER, S.C. --
The Greer Fire Department is one of the first in the state to get high-tech uniforms made of fire-resistant fabric.
The department purchased uniforms that are made with Nomex in hopes of preventing firefighters from being burned while on the job.
"We're excited to be one of the first fire departments in South Carolina to use this technology," Lt. Paul Brown said. "This really does give us another level of protection because the material self-extinguishes, significantly reducing any burn injury. It has been proven that fire-resistant clothing saves lives."
Brown said the Greer department had been considering purchasing the uniforms before nine members of the Charleston Fire Department died while fighting a blaze last June.
He said the deaths accelerated the sense of urgency in providing new safety measures for firefighters.
"The fire-resistant uniforms cost more in the short run, but they have a life span of two to five years as opposed to one year with a cotton uniform. More importantly, the Nomex uniforms drastically reduce the possibility and expense of a serious burn injury," Brown said.
"Making the move to fire-resistant material is a tremendous step forward," Brown said. "You simply cannot put a price on a life. We're very grateful to the city and to council for making these uniforms possible."
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