In Summer Heat, Firefighters Battle More Than Flames

When the alarm sounds, firefighters spring into action, and heat waves — like the one the East End is experiencing — simply can't slow them down. 

Heat-related illnesses are a common occurrence as intense temperatures and high humidity make it more difficult for firefighters to do their jobs safely. 

Quogue Fire Department Chief Tim Shea said it is a major concern of his. "You need to double or triple up on the amount of personnel we ask for to deal with the scene, obviously because the firefighters will tire a lot more quicker," he said. "We want to make sure we don't push anyone too far or too hard and that we keep up on hydration."

In fact, he said a structure fire in Eastport on Thursday afternoon was a perfect example. "The chiefs there did a great job calling for a lot of help to deal with it," he said, adding that his department responded. "Firefighters were tiring quickly." 

No injuries were reported. 

Just on Thursday morning, in Brooklyn, a firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion, according to NBC News. The television station also reported nine firefighters were taken to the hospital with heat-related injuries after a Bronx fire on Wednesday. 

The weather and heat from the flames aren't the only considerations, but the gear firefighters wear. With all of the protective gear on, plus the self-contained breathing apparatus pack, firefighters wear about 60 to 70 pounds of extra weight. While it's meant to keep the heat of the flame out, its counter effect is the body heat stays in. 

On Wednesday evening, East Hampton Fire Department First Assistant Chief Richard Osterberg Jr. donned his gear to demonstrate the effort it requires. 

After he pulled on his boots, trousers and coat, he put the air pack on his back and tested out his face mask — his lifeline to fresh air in any hazardous situation. "I've checked my mask and I'm sweating already, and I really haven't done anything yet," he said.

The National Fire Protection Association outlines the gear all interior and exterior firefighters have to wear. 

Turnout coats and trousers are a layered protection system that includes a fire-resistive outer shell. Protective flash-hoods, made of a fire-resistive, form-fitting cloth, encapsulate most of the head, except the face, to protect the ears, hair, and neck, as well as to keep the air mask's straps from melting. Helmets, designed to shed water and prevent embers from hitting the firefighter, are also heavy. Steel-toed boots and gloves that provide thermal protection round out the personal protective equipment.

According to the NFPA, the body's core temperature can increase due to the very encapsulation that the gear is supposed to provide to prevent burns as it also inhibits the body from cooling down. 

"Heat stress can generate numerous cardiac-related conditions, which are the leading cause of firefighter fatalities," according to the "Firefighter's Handbook." 

"You've got to be careful," Osterberg said. "Any sort of shortness of breath, cramps, fatigue, numbness in your limbs, etc., guys getting red in the face. That's what us chiefs look for."