Firefighters are ditching their blue kits in favour of safer gold ones.

West Yorkshire Fire Service is introducing a modern uniform in a material called PBI Gold – which will mean frontline staff are better protected.

Several styles and types of kit were tested by firefighters. They concluded that the traditional two-piece fire kit was the preferred style, independent burn testing found that the PBI Gold material gave the best protection, and a modern ergonomical design provided a more comfortable fit.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig McIntosh said: “This demonstrates a real investment in firefighter safety, at a time when our existing fire kit is in need of replacement.

“This modern, ergonomically designed fire kit provides improved protection to firefighters during incidents, as well as enhanced wearer comfort that reduces the effects of heat stress.”

The firm providing the new kit, which will used from this week, is Bristol Uniforms.