Fire investigators face unique challenges on the fireground. While the flames may be out, hazards remain: dangerous contaminants, wet debris, and sharp objects.  

To meet those unique challenges, many investigators still wear bulky turnout gear or patch together PPE not designed for the role. This mismatch can compromise mobility, breathability, and protection. 

Fire-Dex spoke with fire investigators about what their perfect gear would look like—then we built it. Our patent-pending Fire Investigation PPE, the first gear ever built specifically for fire investigators, takes our legendary innovative spirit and combines it with the features fire investigators asked for.  

The result? Gear that finally matches the job.  

Input from the Field 

To develop the gear, we partnered with fire investigators across the country. Their feedback guided every design decision, from material selection to feature placement. The result is PPE that reflects the realities of post-incident work and supports investigators in the environments they navigate daily. 

This collaboration is part of our broader mission to provide the right gear for the right call. Whether it’s structural firefighting, technical rescue, EMS, or fire investigation, we believe every responder deserves PPE tailored to their role. 

Mobility Matters 

For firefighters who wear turnouts, we heard over and over that the gear just wasn’t the right fit. One of the groups we worked with, Southwest Emergency Response Team (SERT) Fire Investigation Unit, says non-specialized gear holds them back on the job.  

As Director Tom Habak puts it, “Turnout gear is designed to protect you from the heat in the environment. An unfortunate consequence of that is that we cannot dissipate the body heat generated from our work, so it becomes very hot and very uncomfortable and we get dehydrated much more quickly. Second of all, it's bulkier. It's harder to bend and move around, so it becomes more tiring.” 

But other investigators who wore other non-structural PPE said their gear didn’t provide enough protection. In an environment with sharp debris, it’s critical to have gear that is strong enough to stand up to the needs of the job. 

To balance protection with weight, we turned to our TECGEN51 fabric. Made specifically for alternative PPE, it’s been trusted by tens of thousands of firefighters. It’s lightweight yet durable, making it the perfect choice to power the gear.  

But reducing weight was only part of the solution. As Habak says of the job “it’s hard, backbreaking work.” From shoveling to crawling, fire investigators need gear that gives them a full range of motion so they’re not fighting the gear.  

To meet mobility needs, we gave Fire Investigation PPE reinforced knees, better-fitting shoulders, and other fit tweaks to make sure it moves with the person wearing it.  

Habak sums it up this way: “Mobility is really important for what we do. Because if you get too fatigued and tired, then you start to cut corners and take shortcuts and we only get one chance to do it right.” 

Smarter Waterproofing and Ventilation 

The other most common complaint we heard from fire investigators was that gear either wasn’t waterproof or wasn’t breathable.  

The need for waterproofing is obvious. Firefighting involves a lot of water that doesn’t magically go away once the fire is out. Fire investigators work in damp, dank conditions.  

As SERT investigator Frank Marsella says, “Waterproofing is very important. I mean, nobody likes to sit in water and be soaking wet.” 

But too much waterproofing can limit breathability, increasing fatigue. Hagert says that overheating is a common problem on scene, emphasizing that “fire investigation is subject to the elements. Even though you're working inside a house, it's no longer conditioned. There's no heater in the winter, and there's no air conditioner in the summer. Typically, the heat is more of a problem for us.” 

To balance the two needs, we came up with two solutions: smart waterproofing and ventilation. 

One of the key innovations in this gear is smart waterproofing. Instead of applying a moisture barrier throughout the entire garment, we placed it only where it’s needed, such as the knees and lower legs. But in places where water is less likely to be an issue (like the tops of thighs), we left it out. This keeps investigators dry while crawling through wet debris without sacrificing breathability. 

The jacket also features the same ventilation system found in our AeroFlex turnouts. AeroVent Technology allows hot air and sweat vapor to escape, helping investigators stay cool and protected during extended operations. 

Fireground Contaminants 

Crucially, the vent doesn’t allow fireground contaminants into the gear. Thanks to a particulate barrier, air can escape but particulates are kept out.  

The vent and waterproofing work together to help fire investigators avoid another danger: fireground contaminants. A crucial part of safety on scene is avoiding contaminants, a serious consideration for fire investigators. 

“In some ways, we have it worse than the average firefighter does” says Habak. “Because during the combustion process  

when that fire is burning, some of the things that are killing us and causing cancer are getting consumed in the fire. But once we put the fire out, those fuels continue to off gas. There are a lot of really tiny particles that are in the air that tend to give us cancer.” 

Waterproofing keeps contaminants from seeping through gear and getting onto the skin. A particulate-blocking vent keeps gear breathable without further exposing investigators to harmful particulates.  

Features That Support the Mission 

Fire investigators often carry tools, firearms, and identification. Our gear includes a pass-through pocket that allows quick access to a firearm or tools, and can also be used to display ID when working in public-facing environments. 

We also added a waterproof cellphone pocket. Many fire investigators told us that they use their phones for documentation on scene (not to mention communication). A waterproof pocket provides easy access to a vital tool while still providing protection.  

Commitment to Safety 

At Fire-Dex, we take the safety of every first responder seriously. Fire investigators face exposure to carcinogens, sharp debris, and unpredictable conditions. Our Fire Investigation PPE provides the protection they need without the bulk they don’t—supporting mobility, comfort, and, most of all, safety. 

This gear is more than a product. It’s a reflection of our commitment to the fire service and our belief that every role deserves the right gear for the right job.