When Julie Smith joined the fire service 10 years ago, she was handed the standard uniform – a unisex, one-size-fits-all number in navy blue. Because of her height and long arms (she is 5ft 8in), she had to wear a large size, which was too baggy for her, and when she was crawling around fighting smoke and flames, the protection on the elbows and knees of her uniform slipped and slid, digging in as she moved. Luckily she doesn’t have small feet – in those days, boots didn’t come smaller than a men’s size six.
Today, Smith, 40, has a much more comfortable outfit. She is part of the fire and rescue team in Lincolnshire, which has just introduced a new uniform that includes updated firefighting kit, with versions specifically designed for women that include extra protection around the breasts and are cut to accommodate curves.
“The difference is unbelievable,” she said. “It is so much more comfortable.”
Fire-service chiefs hope that the new Lincolnshire kit will eventually be rolled out across the country, and believe the changes will encourage a more diverse workforce. As well as new firefighting kit, the range of workwear includes corporate and station uniforms for public events and visiting people at home to advise on safety. There is even a version for Muslims, with a long skirt, shirt and hijab, all in the light grey and red that the fire service hopes will become their national colours and make them more easily recognisable.
