Why do us Air Force fire fighters wear silver looking bunker gear as well as a silver covering on their helmets unlike the regular bunker gear used by most North American fire depts? I've seen many Air Force fire men wear it not all but most do, why don't they just wear what the other fire fighters wear like in the city depts
The silver gear is more effective against extreme heat, as would be experienced in aircraft fires. Pretty much ALL airport fire departments use similar gear.
It's because of their role, which can at the drop of a hat involve huge aircraft fuel fires, hazardous material fires or even rocket fuel fires etc.. "Normal" bunker gear would not suffice.