VIDEO: The number of female firefighters is growing in Orange County and across the country, but what's not changing is the way their gear fits -- until now.
Thanks to efforts from researchers from more than a dozen universities across the country and the female voice, a study is underway to make sure firefighters can do their job without fear their gear will interrupt their duties.
Shannon Zielonka has been a firefighter with Orange County since 2012.
Her uniform is her bunker gear, and it's gear that is made to protect her while she's protecting the community.
There is nothing wrong with the gear she wears on a daily basis and during her 24-hour shifts.
It is tailored to her height and waist, but that's about it. That's why she's taking part in the study.
It consists of placing small blue stickers on parts of hands and fingers along with certain parts of her body.
A hand and full body scan will document exact measurements to help create a bunker suit specifically for women's body types.