Battling more than flames: How extreme heat multiplies danger for firefighters
This week's dangerous heat means firefighters are battling more than just flames.
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Extreme heat is a regular part of the job for firefighters.
“It could be upwards of 1,000 degrees inside some building fires,” said Dep. Chief Patrick Barry, of the Fairfield Fire Department.
But this week's intense summer temperatures mean crews are battling more than just flames.
“For the fire department, we take that very seriously because a lot of times, we're wearing our turnout gear. Our turnout gear is designed to keep heat out, but it also keeps heat in. It encapsulates us fully from head to toe with a hood, gloves and everything like that, so it does raise our core temperature quite a bit,” Barry explained.
He said to combat that, preparation begins the day before with increased hydration while off the job, which continues at work.
“During our shifts, we try to get as much water in as possible, try to eat the right meals,” Barry said.
The dangerous heat changes on-scene operations as well with more firefighters brought in and crews rotated more frequently.
“Your work time is going to be reduced quite a bit. Your core temperature is going to go up a lot faster because you're going to be pre-heated, so we'll call for extra alarms quicker,” Barry told News 12.
He said commanders play close attention to firefighters, making sure they don't get to the point of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Medical staff are also on scene, and the trucks can be used as cooling centers for crews who need to rehab, according to Barry.
“It's very taxing,” Barry said. “But we prepare every day for this.”
