06/02/2026
TOOL TUESDAY: FIRE HELMETS
When you think of a firefighter, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
For many people, it’s the helmet. But a firefighter’s helmet is much more than an iconic symbol—it’s a critical piece of safety equipment designed to protect firefighters from extreme heat, falling debris, electrical hazards, smoke, and flying particles.
Did you know fire helmets have evolved over nearly 200 years?
Leather helmets were first introduced in the 1800s.
Aluminum helmets became popular in the mid-1900s.
Today’s composite helmets provide advanced protection while remaining lighter and more comfortable than ever before.
And with that added protection comes a greater investment. A typical fire helmet that cost around $175-$300 in 2000 can now cost $500-$900+ depending on features and specifications.
One thing hasn’t changed, though: their purpose remains the same—helping protect firefighters when they answer the call.
