How firefighters tackle flames during high temperatures

By Jenna Wilson

Firefighters are used to running into burning buildings, but doing it in summer heat makes the process even more daunting.

“This season for us can potentially be dangerous,” said Capt. Mikey May with the St. Joseph Fire Department. “It’s not just the heat, it’s with the humidity and things like that as well. Our fire gear is not designed to breathe very well.”

Firefighters say the inside of their “bunker” gear can reach temperatures of more than 100 degrees and make the job more strenuous. In the serious heat of summer, this can act as extra weight on these emergency responders.

“Our bunker gear is at least 30 or so pounds,” May said. “But when you have your bunker gear, your air pack and your helmet, you’re probably carrying an additional 60 to 70 pounds of weight, and that’s when it’s dry. When your gear gets wet, that adds that additional water weight to it. Not to mention whatever potential equipment you could have, whether it be an ax or a Halligan tool or something like that.”

Firefighters’ priority is helping the public, but they need to protect themselves while doing it. May said proper training is key to preparing to work in the hot elements.

“The better shape you’re in and the better you take care of your body, the easier it is to work under those conditions,” he said. “It’s also important we stay hydrated. On the scene, we have rehab units that we set up on the scene. So if you’re in the fire working, when a crew comes in to relieve you, you come out and have cold water and cold towels at your disposal set down. There’s usually a shaded area, to kind of catch your breath and cool off a little bit before going back in to do the job all over again.”

Other volunteer agencies and paramedic units also assist the department when they make emergency response runs on hot days.

Firefighters are always prepared to respond to an emergency but there are ways for residents to help reduce those heat-related calls this summer.

“It’s all about practicing safety,” said Bill Lamar, emergency management manager. “We’ll see some folks wanting to do recreational fires that get out of hand. They’re too large or they’re too close to something that can burn and that’s something you really have to be mindful of especially when those temperatures start to rise outside.”

During this time of year, there also is an uptick in EMT calls when temperatures are high, so first responders encourage people to take advantage of the cooling centers located across the city to get a break from the heat.