Final answer:
It is true that early firefighters fought fires in their regular clothing, without specialized gear. Advances in safety equipment came later, driven by tragedies like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and technological partnerships, such as with NASA. Modern firefighters now use advanced fire-resistant gear for protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that firefighters fought fires in whatever clothing they happened to be wearing at the time of the fire is true. In the early days, before the development of specialized fire-resistant clothing and equipment, firefighters would indeed tackle blazes in their regular attire. This was far before the time when personal protective equipment became standardized and provided to fire service personnel.
Firefighting gear has evolved over time, with considerable advances in safety and effectiveness. This progress has come about not only through technological innovation but also through tragic events that highlighted the need for better protection, such as the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in 1911. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire underscored the importance of improved gear and led to changes in building codes and firefighting equipment.
Today's firefighters are equipped with advanced gear like Nomex hoods and other fire inhibiting materials, as a result of collaborations with organizations such as NASA. This protective gear is crucial for the safety of firefighters who bravely enter burning buildings to rescue victims and extinguish fires, ensuring they are better protected than their predecessors. Nevertheless, the profession's gender demographics have changed, reflecting a more integrated workforce compared to the past when firefighting was largely a male-only occupation.