Chattanooga Firefighters Fight the Heat

In late July most of us would prefer wearing shorts, t-shirts and sandals.

But for firefighters working dozens of calls….the uniform of the day is a lot warmer than those outside temperatures.

That means these public servants have to take some special precautions.

News 12 Now spent Friday with some Chattanooga firefighters.

It’s been a quiet morning so far at Chattanooga fire station number one, but the crew knows that will change.

Its another scorcher and no one looks forward to putting on that turnout gear, but again…they know that’s part of the job.

CAPTAIN TRAVIS WILLIAMS, SAFETY OFFICER, CFD “With the heat, with our gear on, depending on the weather conditions outside and it can make inside the turnouts being upwards of 120 degrees.”

And sure enough, there’s a steady stream of calls bringing out fire crews all over the city..and most are wearing that turnout gear.

CAPTAIN WILLIAMS  “We’re normally the first responders on the scene with something as small as picking somebody up out of the floor, to medical emergencies, car wrecks, spills, house fires ..we do, we cover a broad range.”

A couple of major accidents with injuries brings double the number of first responders.

CAPTAIN WILLIAMS  “We’re trying to help that by re-habing our guys …keeping them in the shade, keeping them hydrated….calling extra companies in for man-power.”

PRESTON BINEGAR, CHATTANOOGA FIREFIGHTER (IN:03:28:10) “The heat index is very high and all the equipment we wear, shuts down the body’s natural ability to cool so it just compounds even further..staying hydrated and having plenty of staff available to be able to do our job. Its super important.”

Most of the heavy clothing comes off when its not needed, but there are other ways to help the individuals recover.

CAPTAIN WILLIAMS “The guys usually go through normal conditions, maybe two air bottles..we’re trying to cut that in half.”

Staying cool and always ready to complete your 24 hour shift…that the fire department’s goal on hot days.