When dealing with trash fires, what personal protective equipment should be worn?

When dealing with trash fires, the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for ensuring the safety of firefighters. Wearing full personal protective equipment, including a personal escape equipment (PEE) and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), is vital in these situations.

Trash fires can release a variety of toxic fumes and particulates that pose serious health risks. An SCBA provides a reliable supply of breathable air, protecting the firefighter from inhaling harmful smoke, gases, or chemicals that may be present during combustion. This is especially important since trash can contain a mix of materials, including plastics, chemicals, and other hazardous substances that can emit dangerous vapors when burned.

Additionally, PEE ensures that firefighters are prepared to evacuate quickly in case the situation escalates. This level of preparedness is critical in maintaining safety during firefighting operations, particularly in unpredictable environments like those associated with trash fires.

While options like gloves, helmets, and goggles are essential elements of PPE, they do not provide the same level of respiratory protection or rapid escape capability as an SCBA and PEE, which is why this combination is the correct answer for protecting personnel effectively in such fire situations.