How many full sets of PPE should fire department personnel be provided with?

Fire department personnel should be provided with one full set of personal protective equipment (PPE). This is typically considered the minimum requirement needed to ensure safety and effectiveness while responding to incidents. A single set allows firefighters to respond fully equipped to emergencies, ensuring they have the necessary protection against heat, flames, and other hazards encountered during firefighting operations.

Having one full set is also practical since it allows for proper care, maintenance, and cleaning of the equipment without leaving personnel without protection. While having additional sets is beneficial for various reasons — such as allowing for decontamination or if a set is damaged — the essential requirement focuses on personnel being equipped with a complete uniform upon responding to operational duties. Fire departments may choose to supply more than one set based on specific needs, policies, or circumstances, but the fundamental standard is one full set per firefighter.