Fighting Cold Weather Fires

The Division Chief for Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue says their firefighters sometimes have to battle the weather in addition to smoke and flames when they are putting out a fire. He says when temperatures are bitterly cold during the winter they have to keep feet and hands warm. That also means a change of gear after the fire. He says the crews go back to the station so they can get a second set of gear. He says because their turnout gear is important they inspect it after fires and twice a year. He says they have to make sure it is still reflective and doesn’t have any holes in it where water can seep through. He says each firefighter goes through a brief rehab period after coming out of the fire scene to make sure they are suffering no ill effects. He says weather can factor in on the physical exertion needed to fight a fire.