Bermuda firefighters have been issued with new, high-tec fire protection clothing, which cost around $400,000.

The new outfits are gold in colour and are especially tailored to fit the individual firefighter.

Chief Fire Officer Vincent Hollinsid said: "The new materials have an emphasis on the safety of the firefighter during emergency operations. They reduce the chance of heat stress and they also protect from chemical and biological contamination.

"The rescue gloves and protective clothing are lighter and more flexible than the previous gear. The helmets are made out of fibreglass and are self-adjusting.

"The new boots are insulated rubber with a steel toe. The pockets on the jacket are large enough to carry a radio and gloves. The jacket and trousers are secured with spring hooks and Velcro fastenings."

"The new gear, washing machines, detergent and a new fan drying system had an outlay of around $400,000."

One fire fighter said: "These are extremely comfortable, but the new firefighters don't really understand how the equipment has become more comfortable."

Continuing training programmes have taken four fire officers to the United Kingdom to study said CFO Hollinsid.

"Two lieutenants, Anthony Caisey and Lloyd Burchall are doing a two week Fire Investigation Course at the Fire Service College in Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom. They will spend the following two weeks having a two-week attachment with fire investigation units in the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority.

Acting lieutenants Dana Lovell and Ronnie Aguiar are in Surrey Fire and Rescue Service for seven weeks. They are becoming instructors for road traffic accident procedures. They will have an attachment with a training division on fire investigation, operations and fire safety.