NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Staying cool during a heatwave can be difficult for those who work outside. That’s especially true for firefighters. They work together to keep each other safe in the heat.
Firefighters say this is the toughest time of year to do their job. When the temperature rises, so does the stress on them as they work.
“The equipment is very heavy and bulky so it adds to the stress immediately in temperatures like this,” said Battalion Chief Tim Kieley of the New Haven Fire Department.
New Haven firefighters battled a fire Saturday night. Though temperatures had dropped, they say it was still warm enough to be taxing. They have ways of beating the heat, however. They have a mobile Rehab Unit with them when they’re at a fire. It is air conditioned.
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“They can sit down, they can be rehydrated,” said Wayne Vetre, a New Haven firefighter. “If they need oxygen or any kind of medical treatment they can also go in there.”
The Unit is an old ambulance. Its awning and fans help cool the firefighters off. They visit the Unit in a rotation when they’re at a fire. They also are careful to keep an eye on each other.
“We have to be cognizant and rotate the crews more and make sure they’re getting rest,” said Kieley.
Firefighters also make sure everyone drinks plenty of water. They make sure to drink while they’re at a fire, and even before they head out.
“You get fatigued very easy, dehydration, so it’s important to stay hydrated,” said Vetre.
Firefighters say even if they are just doing chores at the station, drinking is the most important thing they can do to protect themselves on a hot day.
“Even in normal conditions dehydration is always a big concern, so when the temperature’s up and the humidity’s up it just taxes us a little bit more,” said Kieley.
Firefighters will also take their equipment off when they are outside the fire area, which helps them cool off.
