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Kent Fire and Rescue Service has invested in new lightweight PPE for its firefighters as the UK experiences more wildfires and fire and rescue services need greater protection when tackling outdoor fires in extreme heat.
Rolling out the kit across Kent and Medway, firefighters in all fire stations will no longer have to rely just on traditional PPE, which is thicker and heavier to shield crews against structural fire hazards. The new lightweight design, supplied by FlamePro, is engineered for extreme heat while remaining breathable, and this will help to reduce the risk of injury and heat fatigue.
“This latest roll-out of gear will allow our crews to respond quickly when tackling wildfires, reducing the physical stress and impact on wellbeing for firefighters operating through the intense heat of summer and fire.”
Mark Gosling, Group Manager for Operational Development, KFRS.
Across the UK the number of wildfires attended by fire and rescue services has grown from 240 incidents between January and April 2022 to 460 in the same period of 2025.
In the last three years, Kent Fire and Rescue Service has attended 160 wildfire incidents, with the majority being accidental. Notably during the record heatwaves of 2022, Kent firefighters attended 69 wildfires in August alone.
It’s not just protective clothing that’s being changed, but vehicles too as the service introduces new specialist wildfire vehicles to its fleet. The off-road vehicles are Utility Task Vehicles – CanAm Traxters converted by Emergency One. They are equipped with 240-litre water tanks, foam capabilities, wildfire blowers, and brush cutters, will allow crews to access and contain wildfires in remote and difficult terrain.
Read more about how Kent Fire and Rescue Service is investing in its training – Kent fire service breaks ground on new firefighter training facility in Ashford.
