Fire helmets are equipped with an inner liner for added ________ protection.

Fire helmets are designed to protect firefighters from various hazards encountered in their line of duty, with an emphasis on thermal protection. The inner liner of a fire helmet is specifically engineered to provide insulation from heat and flames, which can be extremely dangerous in a fire situation. This thermal barrier helps prevent burns and heat-related injuries, allowing firefighters to operate safely in high-temperature environments.

While there are other types of protection available in certain gear, such as chemical protection for firefighters dealing with hazardous materials, the inner liner of a helmet primarily serves to shield against thermal hazards. The helmet's overall design, including the outer shell and the inner liner, works together to create a critical layer of safety that enhances the firefighter's ability to withstand extreme conditions. In this context, thermal protection is paramount, making it the correct focus for the function of the inner liner in fire helmets.