But It's a Dry Cold, Chief
Yesterday I added a link to Lou Angeli's blog, Rescue Us! Today, Lou has posted a nice article about cold weather firefighting. Here is an excerpt, but you'll want to read the whole thing.
But It's A Dry Cold, ChiefTry 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 volunteers for this type of firefighting.
I had to laugh when I read the opener to that paragraph. In the article, there are some tips for fighting fires in cold weather. Here is my favorite:
(10) And finally, ensure that extra turnout gear is available, especially gloves. It's recommended that personnel wear layered clothing, rather than bulky articles.
I carry an extra pair of gloves in my gear bag just for this purpose.
