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hot, muggy days have been replaced by cold, windy nights.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.
