Extreme Weather Firefighting

When the goin' gets tough -- the tough get goin' !

by: Lou Angeli

 As weather experts debate the effects of global warming on North American weather patterns, the "B" shift members of St. Louis Squad-2 don't really give a damn. Winter is on them, and the simple fact of the matter is it's getting cold.

Cold weather makes America's most dangerous occupation even more hazardous. Statistics show that most serious fires occur during the winter months, when homes and businesses are sealed tight, and supplemental sources of heat are being used.

Granted, a few areas of North America are "temperate" and experience consistent weather patterns throughout the year. But unless you're a firefighter in Key West, McAllen (TX) or Phoenix, chances are you've already noticed that hot, muggy days have been replaced by cold, windy nights. And fighting fires in below freezing weather isn't fun.

This year, winter came early, and with vengeance to the Prairie Midwest. With temperatures hitting the single digits, and wind chills exceeding minus 40 below, serious fires have caused millions in damage, and claimed a number of lives.

Fighting fires in cold weather is part of everyday life for firefighters in the upper Midwest. And what they’ve learned is that this constant exposure to Mother Nature's brutal side has made on thing clear. The cold takes it toll - on personnel and equipment.

    
 During the next few weeks, the Arctic cold will dip well into the continental US. And even though we know it's likely to happen, Old Man Winter takes those of us in the lower-48 by surprise every time. 

 But It's A Dry Cold, Chief

 
Try telling that to firefighters in Indianapolis, who are accustomed to relatively stable winter weather. Last year by mid-December, they were operating in the coldest air to hit the area since 1887. Just South of Indy, in Bargersville, Indiana, the town experienced 12 consecutive days of sub-zero weather. Years of training and experience hadn't prepared these Johnson County firemen for this type of firefighting.

 

Generally speaking, North of the Mason-Dixon line, departments are better prepared for the hardships of cold weather. But when the alarm sounds, and the thermometer is stuck at zero, neither a firefighter's training or protective gear can block out the effects of the biting cold. So how do firefighters in Minneapolis, Green Bay and Chicago deal with the cold? Many have developed a contingency plan - one that stresses "firefighter safety".

Using Common Sense

Once on the fireground, firefighter safety becomes a primary consideration for command. While Engine Company members concern themselves with fighting the fire inside the structure, ladder and support company members are busy fighting the elements, working on slippery surfaces and icy ladders.

Firefighting in cold weather still requires getting water to handlines and master streams and moving H2O is one of the most difficult tasks in winter firefighting. In icy temperatures, leading off from a frozen hydrant or pond may waste valuable minutes. That's why it's important to pre-plan wintertime water supply operations.

 
In Porter County, Indiana, members of Center Fire & Rescue rely on large diameter supply lines and tanker shuttles to provide adequate water. Planning officers know that it's difficult enough to secure water under ideal situations. But when the weather turns cold, the job becomes much more difficult. So they've preplanned for the worse case scenario, matching mutual aid companies with their own resources to get the job done. Mutual Aid also plays a vital role during "working" assignments, especially when one factors in RIT teams and firefighter rehab.
 

Important Cold Weather Tips

Fighting fires in cold weather isn't only uncomfortable for front line personnel, it's damaging to equipment as well. Here are some tips from departments around the country, that may prove useful during cold weather incidents in your area:

• Avoid coming up DRY, by initiating a hydrant "Pump-Out" plan
• Apparatus maintenance is crucial! Make sure that tire chains or other traction devices are available for all first-in units
• Develop a "contingency plan" with the authority or agency responsible for road maintenance and service
• Develop SOP's regarding "dry-pump" vs. "wet-pump" operations. Things to consider are response time, pump design and normal ambient temperature in the station.
• Carry a supply of salt, sand or oil-dry to enhance footing and reduce the possibility of falls
• During heavy snowfalls, apparatus may be forced to operate "away" from the fire building. Extra lengths of attack line should be added to preconnects to compensate for the additional stretch
• Following knockdown, when handlines are in standby, partially opened control valves will allow water to flow and prevent freezing.
• Make sure that all waterways for monitors or deck pipes are dry, to avoid any freezing or clogging effects resulting from ice or slush
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the cold weather use of SCBA. Don't allow water to seep into regulators or emmission valves
• And finally, ensure that extra turnout gear is available, especially gloves. It's recommended that personnel wear layered clothing, rather than bulky articles.

It’s no secret that ours is a unique profession. We're called upon to perform a number of important time crucial tasks in a wide range of weather conditions. So whether we're working in desert heat - or arctic cold, our mission is always the same. To save the folks inside, and perhaps save their home.