The Firefighter Mustache: Why Do So Many Firemen Have It? - Riverism Blog
If you ever encounter a fire scene, there’s a chance you may notice a lot of firefighters with mustaches. Then, why do firefighters have mustaches yet the military and other security forces are prohibited from having them? This post will show you interesting information about the firefighter mustache.
Are you wondering whether firefighter mustaches is a personal choice or a feature of the profession in which they work? Hence, to answer your confusion, I’ll go deep to address the firefighter mustache that why so many firemen have it. Let’s scroll down, and keep reading!
1. History Of The Firefighter Mustache
There was no such thing as an oxygen mask or breathing apparatus back in the day. So, how could firefighters accomplish their work in such a dangerously burning and smokey environment?
But here’s how it worked: firefighters soaked their mustache hairs in water, then used their wet mustaches as a smoke filter. It allowed them to stay in the burning structure for a little longer. In the mid-nineteenth century, whiskers were considered personal protective equipment.
Mustaches make firemen feel like they’re part of a firefighting fraternity nowadays. Aside from that, some firefighters believe that mustaches give them a swashbuckling image and make them look more dashing.
Learn more: 40 Firefighter Training Quotes That Will Fire You Up
2. Personal Firefighter Mustache Policy
Firefighters surely can have mustaches. The department’s regulations on firemen’s facial fur clearly state- to get a tight seal of the facepiece, firefighters must be clean-shaven, except for a well-trimmed mustache.
According to the policy, mustaches may be maintained in a neat manner that presents a groomed appearance. Mustaches must not be longer on the sides than the bottom of the lip. The mustache must not interfere with the wearing of any fire equipment or SCBA facepiece seal and shall not expose the wearer to undue risk hazards.
If a firefighter mustache is well-trimmed and creates no issues to wear an oxygen mask or other pieces of equipment then it’s not a problem.
Read more: Firefighter Life Expectancy: Do Firemen Have Short Lifespan?
3. The Number Of Firefighters Have Mustaches
According to assessment and observation, there are about 30-40% of firefighters to the mustache. They confirmed that mustache made them feel comfortable, confident when doing tasks, it helped them increase their masculinity much more. And the most popular is the firefighter’s horseshoe mustache and handlebar design. However, this data has not been officially justified by any formal research or by taking any survey, it is based on observation only.
Related article: Top 20 Best Books For Firefighters
4. Specific Examples Acknowledge The Benefits Of The Firefighter Mustache
Bombard, a volunteer firefighter with the Cortlandville Fire Department has had a mustache for a long time, but it has been growing since 1985 when he last shaved. He waxes it into handlebars on occasion.
A mustache is more than simply a fashion statement for Bombard, it’s a connection. “Firefighters used to have lengthy mustaches and beards,” he explained. When wetted down, the facial hair is claimed to act as a filter, preventing smoke from entering the lungs, according to Bombard.
According to the Fire Museum Network, firefighters in the mid-nineteenth century wore mustaches as a personal protection precaution.
In addition, Paul Hashagen – a firefighter historian and novelist, a firefighter would dip his whiskers in a pail of water, clench the wet hair between his teeth, and breathe through the hair, which served as a filter.
Whether it’s true or not, Bombard’s mustache makes him feel like a member of a firefighting brotherhood. He explained, “I believe it’s part of the traditional connection.”
Check out: 15 Awesome Firefighter Graduation Gift Ideas.
5. The Status Of The Firefighter Mustache In Modern Times
Some departments will have a strong policy prohibiting firemen from growing beards while on duty. Especially, for those who have to wear a mask, according to the fire school guideline, “must be clean-shaven.” The National Firefighters Association’s no-beard policy stems from a concern for health and safety.
To protect yourself from the smoke and other toxins in the air, you’ll need to wear an SCBA mask as a firefighter. That mask produces a seal on the face, preventing air from entering and allowing for a clean flow of oxygen.
This is because the risk is that a beard will form a barrier between the mask and the face, preventing a good seal. This gap, however small, could mean that dust particles get into the beard and the airways of the firefighter. If dust and soot get into the beard, the chance of acquiring serious respiratory ailments and malignancies increases.
Cancer rates are high among firefighters because of the layers of debris on their gear. Plastic particles, petroleum fumes, asbestos, and more all play their part. If this sits within the beard it is all too easy to inhale particles after removing the mask. It’s all too easy to inhale particles after removing the mask if this sits within the beard. To stay clean, any fireman with a beard will need to wash it thoroughly after each event.
Those particles and toxins could contaminate the fire engine and station throughout the day if they don’t. To avoid this risk, the safest option is to keep beard hair to a minimum or shave it completely off.
Besides, let’s visit our Riverism website to see exciting new firefighter face mask products.
In conclusion, hope this article will bring useful information related to the firefighter mustache. Growing mustaches as a firefighter is a personal preference, also a bit of old-school style firemen tradition. But firefighters must trim it well and shape it appropriately.
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