Jim, you are getting into "hillybilly" territory with your tone.

I'm going to let some of our firefighters explain why there is a difference in tactics, but if I had to guess it's due to how we build buildings. Speaking with the architure majors I knew in school, when they went to Europe, them were amazed, and shocked, and not in a good way. Maybe we build them too tough in your eyes, but our climates are a little more assertive than what you've described as you have.

I will however say one thing about that helmet- I wouldn't wear it. It doesn't protect the neck. Nomex keeps fire outside, but if it gets inside, guess what- Nomex keeps THAT fire INSIDE! With you. Gravity pulls debris down. If you have ceilings, that is going to happen.