FIRE crews in Dorset will soon be donning golden firefighting clothing thanks to a new uniform deal.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service has signed a new contract worth £600,000 with supplier Bristol Uniforms.

The deal will see firefighters swapping their traditional dark blue attire for new gold firefighting outfits.

Dorset Fire Authority chairman Chris Bulteel said the decision came after an ‘exhaustive selection process’.

He said Dorset Fire and Rescue Service personnel tried out the new gold clothing for themselves prior to the deal.

“We have chosen Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) manufactured by Bristol Uniforms, who are our existing supplier,” he said.

“The gold PPE came first in national trials recently, so we are assured that it offers the best in terms of safety protection for our operational crews, while offering the best value for money.”

The new clothing boasts an outer layer of so-called ‘PBI Gold’, which provides excellent protection from heat and fire.

It also comes complete with an innovative and lightweight lining that adds further protection from heat and water.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer Darran Gunter said the new uniforms would make it safer for firefighting in the county.

He said: “The PPE provides excellent protection without imposing high levels of physiological stress on our firefighters.

“Therefore it ensures they can operate safely and effectively at emergency incidents. We are absolutely committed to safer communities and, of course, safer firefighters.”

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is purchasing the new PPE through the Integrated Clothing Project contract.

The bid was led by FireBuy, a national public purchasing organisation formed to provide help with procurement to fire services.

The new clothing contract, which will be paid for as part of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service’s capital programme, will cost £600,000 and firefighters will be wearing the new gold uniforms by the end of the year.