Hazardous materials include pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals as well as gasoline, natural gas, and other fuels. Many hazardous-materials emergencies involve truck or train wrecks in which a dangerous substance is accidentally spilled. Austin Fire Department. They wear coats and pants made of fire-resistant material. Other clothing includes special boots, gloves, and helmets.
Firefighters also use a breathing apparatus to avoid inhaling smoke and toxic gases.
The apparatus consists of a face piece connected to a small air tank strapped on the firefighter's back. On rare occasions, firefighters must walk through flames. For instance, they may do so when rescuing passengers from a burning airplane. In such situations, they wear heat-reflective suits. These suits are fire resistant and coated with aluminum or another metal to reflect heat.