MARQUETTE -- How do Upper Peninsula firefighters protect themselves when on the scene?

Each situation is different when called to a fire.  Protecting life is always the first priority, and communication is key to determine if a structure has anyone inside or not.

If a building does have someone inside, there's a determination to be made about searching the building or start fighting the fire.  When firefighters enter a building, they are never alone; they work in pairs.

When on the scene of a fire, a firefighter's coat and pants are paramount.  It can protect a person up to 1,200 degrees. The bunker gear, as it's called, covers the body, along with a helmet and mask, gloves, and steel-toed boots.

An SCBA, or bottled air, gives the firefighter a fresh air supply and prevents smoke inhalation.

"We make sure that our gear is in working order and that everything is covered so that we can go in and do our job as safely and effectively as possible," said Lt. Jeff Green of the Marquette City Fire Department. 

"The best way the public can help keep them safe is to stay back.  It must be hard to do their job while dodging rubberneckers," said Facebook fan, Valerie.

If you see firefighters at the scene of a fire, keep back a safe distance, and let them do what they were trained to do.