According to the UC Davis Fire Department, nearly 25% of its firefighters are wearing gear that doesn’t fit them.
UC Davis Fire Chief Nathan Trauernicht told FOX40 Monday that he is calling on uniform manufacturers to do better.
“They need to have maximum range of motion, and at critical times, they have to be able to make critical movements, and if that doesn’t happen, it puts all of us in danger,” Trauernicht explained.
Some firefighters told FOX40 that their safety is at risk because their gear simply doesn’t fit right.
“The inseam I would say is usually the biggest issue, especially if you’re going to be getting low, like dropping to the ground or something, because it doesn’t allow you to have that flexibility or dexterity,” UC Davis fire engineer Corrie Beall explained.
Officials said ill-fitting gear makes even simple tasks difficult.