Firefighting in the Ice Cold

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Freezing temperatures often change the way people, who routinely work with water, do their jobs. 

Zanesville Fire Chief Jeff Bell explained some of the added tasks and safety precautions his department takes when prolonged arctic temperatures arrive.

“Whether we have a fire, whether we have a car accident, you know we still have to respond to the emergency, no matter what the weather is,” Bell said. “The cold definitely gives us challenges and stuff, considering our fire trucks and stuff, we carry water with us. You know we’re going to be putting water on fires and that. So, not just keeping our personnel warm, which is a major component of what we need to do.” 

Many coordinated efforts with other departments ensure that fire hydrants are maintained to be functional when they are needed and that streets and sidewalks that are frozen from overspray get treated to prevent accidents after the fire. 

“Nothing works well when things are frozen,” Bell said. “You got cold conditions, tools don’t always want to work as well. Batteries on power tools usually don’t last as long in the cold conditions. And then you have patient care, so you’re having to keep that person safe and warm and all that.”

Accidents can happen at any time but anxiety when you’re cold can lead to poor decisions. Bell suggests staying indoors and being extra careful when using portable heaters to stay warm.