Whites to replace boots worn by burned firefighter

White’s Boots Company is saying they will replace at no charge the boots worn by the firefighter who fell into an ash pit in Arizona March 16 and suffered 2nd & 3rd degree burns over 20 percent of his body. He said the boots protected his lower leg, ankle, and foot, but he had severe burns above the boots. Another firefighter was burned at the same time but he was treated and released.

The next day a third firefighter was injured on the same fire. He suffered minor burns and was also treated at the hospital and released.

We asked Brandon Upchurch, a House Account Consultant for White’s, if most leather boots would provide the same protection, and he said, “Not necessarily. Other boots could use thinner leather, or have weak points due to construction.”