Firies hot under the collar about new suit | The Australian

Firies hot under the collar about new suit

From: AAP September 23, 2012 2:25PM

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NSW Firefighters are complaining about new suits they claim aren't suitable for putting out blazes. Source: AAP

FIREFIGHTERS in NSW are getting hot under the collar about new suits they claim aren't suitable for putting out blazes in Australia.

The government's just rolled out 13,900 of the brand-new outfits to 53 of the state's fire stations at a reported cost of $17.3 million.

But dozens of firefighters have complained to the Fire Brigade Employees Union (FBEU) that the suits are too hot, the zippers don't work, the pockets are too small and the boots are uncomfortable.

“There is no doubt the suits will offer better protection in fires but the fact they are hotter hasn't been adequately explained to firefighters,” FBEU secretary Jim Casey told News Ltd.

One firefighter also told News Ltd that the suits were good for cooler climes, but not in Australia's heat.

The FBEU will discuss the complaints at a meeting on Thursday.

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said he'd checked and Fire and Rescue NSW has had no complaints from firefighters.

“Fire and Rescue NSW tell me they've had no complaints about that matter,” he told reporters.

“There was some confusion as to how to do up the zips.

“I understand that's been addressed.”