Sweating their way through the flames
As temperatures soar on Long Island this summer, firefighters face intensified dangers while battling blazes. High heat and humidity exacerbate the already strenuous demands of firefighting, putting firefighters at increased risk of heat-related illnesses and exhaustion.
According to James Hickman, Nassau County’s assistant chief fire marshal, the extreme conditions during heat waves significantly affect firefighters’ performance and safety. While fire departments do their best to manage their firefighters’ exhaustion and heat levels, there is only so much they can do.
“The increased temperature and humidity put firefighters under a lot more duress,” Hickman said. “They’re wearing 60 to 70 pounds of gear in 95-degree weather with 90 percent humidity. It doesn’t take long for it to take its effect.”
Hickman explained that firefighters need to rotate more frequently during heat waves to avoid heat exhaustion and dehydration. However, a decline in volunteer numbers has strained local departments, leading to more frequent mutual aid calls.
“We have fewer firefighters than we used to. People aren’t volunteering like they used to,” Hickman noted. “You’ll see departments calling in other fire departments to help just to get the manpower they need.”
“Just putting on the gear on a hot day makes you sweat without even going into the fire,” Ozol said. “If you add on a 40-pound air pack and other equipment, the work becomes brutal. The adrenaline keeps you going, but when you come out, you’re sopping wet from sweat, and you have to hydrate right away.”
Both Hickman and Ozol stressed the importance of community awareness and preparedness in preventing fires during heat waves. Hickman pointed out that the heat itself does not necessarily increase the likelihood of house fires, but it can exacerbate the spread of brush fires, especially in areas with dry vegetation, because “if we have an extended amount of heat with low humidity and dry brush, the fire will spread greater.”
Residents are advised to follow several key safety measures to mitigate the risk of fires:
Avoid overloading electrical circuits: With increased use of air conditioners and fans, electrical systems are under more stress. Hickman warned against using multiple extension cords or power strips to connect heavy appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators. “Plug these directly into wall outlets,” he advised. “Overloading power strips can quickly cause a fire.”
Proper maintenance of appliances: Ozol emphasized the importance of maintaining household appliances, particularly those located in attics, such as air handlers and attic fans. “Attics can reach 140 degrees, and if you have frayed wires or unmaintained equipment, it can start a fire,” he said.
Yard and vehicle safety: Dry grass and leaves can easily ignite if a hot car is parked on them. “Avoid parking on dry grass and leaves,” Ozol cautioned. “The hot undercarriage of a car can start a fire.”
Safe use of barbecues and fire pits: Both officials stressed the importance of safe barbecue and fire pit practices. “Make sure propane bottles are turned off when not in use,” Ozol advised. “And always have a bucket of water nearby when using a fire pit to quickly extinguish any escaping embers.”
Fireworks safety: Hickman reminded residents that fireworks are illegal on Long Island and pose significant fire risks. “People shouldn’t be using fireworks, but we know that they will,” he said. “That increases the risk of both house and brush fires, since with fireworks anything can, and more often than not do, go wrong.”
Community awareness and preparedness play a crucial role in reducing fire incidents. Hickman and Ozol both emphasized that informed and cautious residents can make a significant difference in preventing fires and ensuring safety.
“Community involvement is everything,” Hickman said. “By being careful and following safety guidelines, residents can help keep themselves and their neighbors safe.”
As Long Island braces for more heat waves, firefighters continue to prepare for the challenges ahead. Residents are urged to heed safety warnings and take proactive steps to mitigate the risks of fires during extreme weather conditions.
