Brave firefighters face more dangers when battling blazes during extreme heat
The average temperature of a house when it’s on fire can range anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 degrees. Conditions get much more dangerous when you mix in high heat, humidity and the weight of added safety equipment
How brave firefighters adapt to conditions when temperatures soar during the summer
Firefighters have been battling the heat every day ruing the most recent summer scorcher, and FOX Weather meteorologist Nick Kosir joined up with a New Jersey fire department to learn how the job changes when temperatures rise.
LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Firefighters have been battling extreme temperatures during the summer scorcher, and FOX Weather meteorologist Nick Kosir decided to visit a fire department in New Jersey to see how the job changes when temperatures soar.
"The summertime is tough for obvious reasons," said Chief Miguel Guarda of the Long Branch Fire Department. "I mean, the high heat coupled with humidity as we are right now. You can just feel it."
Meteorologist Nick Kosir is seen wearing firefighting equipment during his ride-along with the Long Branch, New Jersey, Fire Department.
(FOX Weather)
Guarda said the average temperature of a house on fire could range from 1,000 to 2,000 degrees.
"Our firefighters need to don personal protective equipment when they go to calls," he said. "This equipment is very heavy. They range anywhere from 40 lbs to 80 lbs, depending on what tools they’re carrying."
So, how do firefighters compose themselves when combating high humidity and fires?
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Not only do firefighters need to deal with the heat of a fire, but also high summer temperatures, humidity and even adrenaline that makes conditions even worse.
(FOX Weather)
"Operations do change in these conditions," Guarda said. "As an incident commander, I have to be cognizant of the weather, whether it’s too cold or too hot."
Guarda said there’s also a personnel pool to rotate firefighters in and out to prevent heat exhaustion.
Kosir joined the fire department for a mock ride-along when a genuine call for help was received.
"We just responded," Kosir said. "Luckily, everyone is OK. But I got to tell you, my heart is pumping."
So, not only are firefighters needing to deal with the fire but add in the heat, humidity and adrenaline, and it feels even more uncomfortable.
"This is just a normal day for these guys, as you saw," he said. "We’re all sweating right now. It’s dangerous. It’s strenuous. But these guys, you know, they’re true professionals. They do love what they do, and they don’t complain."