Every firefighter understands the risks that come with the job – and when PPE isn’t doing the job it needs to, everyone in the department feels the strain on morale, performance, and safety. A South Carolina fire department knew they needed dependable PPE with high mobility and comfort – and the FireArmor® SR-X 8180 structural firefighting glove delivered, holding up against high-heat hazards, maintaining their integrity, and preventing what could have been a serious burn injury. 

The challenge: High heat, real hazards 

In the fire and rescue industry, hands are exposed to some of the most intense hazards – radiant heat, direct flame, hot surfaces, and unpredictable conditions. For this department in South Carolina, firefighting crews were dissatisfied with their current gloves as they didn't provide the level of thermal protection they needed. Specifically, the glove lacked the high-heat protection of a TPP rating over 60, the industry standard for gloves designed to withstand prolonged radiant and flame heat. 

Without adequate thermal protection, their gloves were breaking down quickly under extreme heat, forcing the department to replace them more often and driving up costs. At the same time, the discomfort and poor performance of these gloves made compliance harder to maintain, compounding both safety risks and budget strain. 

The solution: The FireArmor® SR-X 8180 structural firefighting glove:  

The department first heard about HexArmor® through a neighboring department already using the FireArmor® SR-X 8180 Structural Firefighting gloves and sharing their positive experience. That recommendation led to a wear trial, where every firefighter was issued a pair of the 8180  gloves.  And the crew immediately noticed a difference. 

Firefighters called out the superior comfort, improved dexterity, and the advanced safety features they had been missing. Most importantly, they finally had the high heat resistance required for today’s fireground. With a TPP rating greater than 60, the 8180 gave them the thermal protection their previous gloves lacked. 

The gloves’ construction delivered confidence, too. A full 360-degree heat- and liquid-resistant inner liner, paired with additional cut protection, provided the kind of barrier crews rely on in unpredictable conditions. delivering superior water and flame resistance while staying flexible after use, unlike many gloves that stiffen once exposed to heat and moisture. 

The results: Proven protection when it mattered most  

After the department trialed and implemented the 8180 structural firefighting gloves, crews quickly saw the difference on the job.  

During a live-burn operation, one firefighter’s gloves were exposed to extreme heat, enough to scorch and burn the outer leather. The photos tell the story: while the exterior showed serious damage, the firefighter’s hands were completely protected. 

The protection the 8180 gloves provided was even more impactful once the full extent of the incident was understood. The firefighter sustained injuries to his arms and neck while working to extinguish the fire, yet his hands remained completely unharmed. 

Seeing the 8180 perform under real fireground conditions gave the entire crew renewed confidence. The benefits showed up immediately on the job: 

• Reduced hand fatigue thanks to improved dexterity and a more natural, flexible fit 
• Greater comfort and control during critical tasks, especially compared to their previous gloves 
• Better performance on long, demanding calls without compromising protection 
• Improved compliance, with firefighters actually wanting to wear the gloves 
• Budget relief, with a more durable design that reduced replacement frequency and helped the department save 20% annually 
• Reinvestment into additional PPE, ensuring every firefighter had the gear they needed to stay protected 

And while the gloves came at a more accessible price point, the impact went far beyond dollars. These improvements strengthened their PPE program and gave every firefighter the best possible chance of going home to their families unharmed. 

In the end, the 8180 didn’t just withstand extreme heat – it protected the hands that protect lives. 

See the FireArmor® SR-X® 8180