<P> Modern structural helmets (that is, those intended for structure fires) are made of thermoplastic or composite materials . The rear brim is longer than the front brim; a face shield (s) is usually attached to the front . This helmet type is worn in the United States and Canada, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia and parts of Asia (notably Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Guangzhou). Newer "Metro" helmets (the name given by several leading helmet manufacturers) with smaller brims and rounded edges are also much lighter than both leather and composite traditional helmets . </P> <P> These helmets are used for urban search and rescue applications and are shaped differently from traditional fire helmets . </P> <P> In some countries, most notably the United States and other Anglophone countries, the firefighter's helmet color often denotes the wearer's rank or position . In Britain, most firefighters wear yellow helmets; watch managers (sub officers) and above wear white helmets . Rank is further indicated by black stripes around the helmets . In Canada, regular firefighters wear yellow or black; captains are in red and senior command offices in white . Likewise in the United States, red helmets denote company officers, while white helmets denote chief officers . However the specific meaning of a helmet's color or style varies from region to region and department to department . One noteworthy example is the Los Angeles County Fire Department's use of MSA Safety "Topgard" Helmets depicted in the 1970s television series Emergency! . Firefighters used all black with colored company numbers on the shield below the "L.A. County" in blue on the top half . Engine and squad companies used white numbers, with paramedics switching to green and a two - color "paramedic" decal later affixed to either side of the helmet . Truck companies used red numbers . Captains' helmets were black with a white stripe down the helmet's center ridge, and the numeric shield portion in white. Battalion Chiefs helmets were solid white with black numbers These helmets have since been discontinued . Another example is the San Francisco Fire Department . Engine company helmets are typically all black; truck company helmets are black with alternating red and white quarters on the helmet dome . </P> <P> The South Australian Country Fire Service, as with many Australian fire services, use specific colors for specific roles . White helmets are for firefighters (with a red stripe for senior firefighters). Lieutenants have yellow helmets; captains have yellow with a red stripe, deputy group officers and above have red helmets while paid staff have a blue stripe on their helmet . </P>

What colour is the fire fighting chief officers helmet