Firefighters given tough challenge, when working in frigid temps

BEATRICE, Neb. - As much of southeast Nebraska hunkers down for the weekend with frigid temperatures making their way into the region, work doesn’t stop for first responders, and for fire fighters, it becomes one of the most challenging tasks they face all year.

With water freezing and being outdoors, Beatrice Fire Chief Brian Daake explained the difficulties and how they combat them.

“It makes it much more challenging, it starts with how much clothing you wear under your fire fighting gear,” Daake said. “Some can get you overheated and some can make you cold faster… And because of conditions, responding faster can be a challenge.”

Daake says one thing that can make firefighters jobs easier is digging out your fire hydrant, but urges residents not to do it if it’s unsafe. Another challenge is water rescues. With slick roads, some near creeks or rivers, cars can slide off the road, leading to a water rescue. Daake says the department is equipped with safe gear to do so.

“It’s called surface ice rescue equipment,” Daake said. “It’s a big orange suit, insulated… We can go into the water, but we don’t go into the water, we’re able to protect ourselves that way.”

And lastly, water used when fighting fires can both freeze in the pump, but also freeze to their gear. Daake says they can take measures to try to prevent freezing in the pump, but the gear is part of the job in the cold.

“Basically, as far as ourselves, we just deal with it… You can’t prevent it,” Daake said. “We try to stay away from the water as much as possible before it becomes ice.”

Daake urges residents to stay home if they can, especially through the winter weather warning which was extedned through 6:00 p.m. Saturday.