COLUMBIA, S.C. — Firefighters are used to running into burning buildings, but doing it in brutal summer temperatures makes the process more complicated and dangerous. Columbia Richland Engine 1 Fire Engineer Ray Gary was blunt when asked what fighting fires in full regalia is like.
“It’s like walking through Death Valley with a snowsuit on. It’s miserable,” Gary said.
During the summer, firefighters may work in the midday heat with the scorching sun at their backs. Their turnout gear and equipment can weigh up to 75 pounds, yet these heroes have no problem running full-force into burning buildings that can be hotter than 600 degrees.
It's a challenge firefighters face every day, all summer long.
“Your body can’t breathe, your sweat doesn’t go anywhere, it’s hot, the atmosphere’s hot, you’re amped up, it’s an adrenaline dump like nothing else,” Gary said.
It’s no wonder that dehydration and heat exhaustion are major threats to the lives of these first responders. The International Association of Firefighters says heat stress can affect firefighters in various ways, impacting concentration and slowing reaction times.
All of which could lead to a deadly mistake while on the scene of a fire.
Mike DeSumma, the Columbia-Richland Fire Department's public information officer, said the department sends its rehab truck to larger calls because of the dangers of heat-related injuries.
“Rehab is short for rehabilitation and that’s pretty much what the purpose of the truck is. It includes one driver. He’s got extra air cylinders on there for our guys to come off and get a fresh air pack They’ve got coolers with cold liquids ready to go. Everything that a firefighter really needs to rehabilitate is on board that truck," DeSumma said.
Desumma also said rotating crews while fighting a fire is crucial.
"Typically, it’s about 15 minutes of work before you’re going to need a break. Those are the windows where, guys have to come out and do what they need to do to replenish before they can go back,” he said.
Desumma said proper hydration is important for everyone, not just for firefighters.
“It’s not just firefighters that have to worry about hydration, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids and staying cool during these hot days," he said.
The Columbia Richland Fire Department also reminded everyone to be especially careful this Fourth of July, as conditions have been extremely hot and dry.