Heat presents added challenge for firefighters, first responders

BEATRICE, NEB. - The job of a firefighter is dangerous and difficult and it only gets more so during hot weather.

As southeast Nebraska works through an early summer heat wave, NCN spoke with Beatrice Fire Chief Brian Daake about the difficulties and strategies of fighting fire in the heat.

“The heat, humidity always causes challenges,” Daake said. “If we respond to a structure fire, that’s when we put on our structural fire fighting gear. It’s about 30 pounds, three different layers of protected material.”

Temperatures reached the lower 100 degree range on Monday across much of the Cornhusker state, while reaching the upper 90’s again on Tuesday. As Daake mentioned, the gear worn during structure fires cause the most problems.

“We’re covered head to toe and we don’t breathe,” Daake said. “Everything that we sweat from the heat, it stays within, because the gear is deigned to protect you from the heat from the outside as well.”

Daake says the crew monitors the forecast ahead of time, taking precautions such as hydrating more and even making adjustments to their gear aimed at keeping them cool.

“With our hazmat response, we have cooling vests… Basically, it’s a vest with ice packets,” Daake said. “Some of the guys will get those ready to have them on under their turnout gear to help compensate for the brutal weather.”