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Hot! Mumbai fire fighters catch up with fashion
If only 100 years too late, uniforms at the Mumbai Fire Brigade are getting a major safety and style upgrade into the 21st century
A Mumbai Fire Brigade employee (L) tries out a new uniform as his colleague (R) takes off his old uniform at the Colaba Fire station.The Times Online reports, "The current woollen outfits, which date back to the days of the Raj, will be replaced by new suits constructed from the same synthetic material that protects fighter pilots and Nasa space capsules from extreme heat and explosions."
"The uniform was basically 125 years old," said P. S. Rahangdale, the divisional fire chief for South Mumbai.
"Modern helmets with protective visors and in-built radios will replace the plumed current ones, which are made from compressed cork. The leather belts, gleaming brass buckles and shining epaulettes will finally be consigned to history."
The Mumbai Fire Brigade traces its history back to the 18th century and is modelled on the London Fire Brigade. It serves 18 million people and has a motto which reads "Valour, Abnegation and Sacrifice."
The new uniforms are due to be distributed this month. Now all they need is a Bollywood movie of their own.
