How firefighters cope with extreme heat as weather warms
JACKSON, Tenn. — As temperatures rise in West Tennessee, firefighters face extreme conditions while on the front lines. This is especially true when battling intense fires while wearing heavy heat-retaining suits.
“The gear can add about 75 to 100 pounds to your average person,” said Jackson Fire Department Battalion Chief Stanley Cole.
The gear is designed to protect you from flames, but it also traps body heat.
Cole says when you add full gear, along with the heat that comes from the fires, it can become dangerous very quickly.
“Temperatures could reach up to 120 degrees inside this fire suit–combine that with increased flames and thick smoke you’re looking at well over one thousand degrees, putting firefighters at risk for heat stroke and dehydration, among many others,” said Cole.
JFD crews are no stranger to the hot and humid weather of West Tennessee, and that’s why the department takes proactive steps this time of the year.
“Our number one priority is to keep our members safe while we serve the community,” Cole said.
The department encourages crew members to take breaks and provides areas for rest at the fire stations, like air-conditioned lounges. They are also prepared if they have to respond to a call.
“We have coolers with ice water in them. We also will ice down our rags in the trucks. We also do have our RV that’s behind me, that’s Hazmat 1. That is equipped with air conditioning, and so that allows our firefighters to have a place to cool down safely,” Cole said.
The department also provides ice vests. These can be put up under their gear to help keep them cool.
It was warmer than average for the month of June in West Tennessee. Several days, temperatures reached the nineties, with heat advisories and ‘feel like’ temperatures well-into triple digits.
In the month of June, JFD responded to 776 calls for service — an average of 26 calls per day.
With the summer just now underway, firefighters will continue to battle intense heat. You can help keep our firefighters cool by practicing fire safety to prevent fires.
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