Firefighting is always dangerous, but fighting fires in cold weather is especially hazardous. Learn more about the risks that firefighters face in the winter.
Home Fires Are More Common in Winter
The winter is typically one of the busiest seasons for firefighters, especially those in cities and metro areas with particularly frigid winters. When the temperature drops, people in homes and apartment buildings are more likely to use heating equipment, like space heaters, that can cause fires if they overheat or are near flammable substances.
January and February are the peak months for home fires in the US, according to the National Fire Protection Association, with space heaters, generators, and candles being some of the most common culprits. If you own a space heater, use it away from flammable substances and never for too long.
Pro-Tip
Carbon monoxide deaths also peak in the winter from coal, propane, and gasoline burning in a home, so double-check your home’s carbon monoxide alarm every winter.
Winter Presents More Physical Challenges
Another factor that makes cold-weather firefighting so dangerous for firefighters is that the weather presents a new set of obstacles and challenges. Hypothermia, frostbite, and exhaustion are common risks of cold-weather firefighting, and the rapid change from extreme hot to cold can take a tremendous toll on the body. These dramatic temperature changes are why winter fire-resistant outerwear with sweat-wicking fabrics is crucial for firefighters.
The rapid temperature change can also be tough on the equipment that firefighters wear for their safety. Breathing apparatuses can malfunction when going from cold to hot environments. Even the simplest tasks can be difficult for firefighters under the weight of the additional cold-weather outerwear.
The Dangerous Mix of Winter Conditions and Water
Significant issues firefighters also have to deal with when fighting home fires in the winter is the potential for ice formations and building collapses. As we all know, one of the best tools for firefighters is water hoses, but as we also know, water in the winter can quickly transform into ice, which can be a nightmare.
Water on the ground presents issues for firefighters and causes slips and falls, but ice can also form on the structure itself and put more weight on an already fire-weakened building. Collapses are the biggest threat to firefighters’ lives in home fires, and the potential for additional ice makes buildings more likely to collapse.
Now you should understand more about the dangers that firefighters face in the winter. Keep your home and firefighters safe by taking precautions with your heating equipment and candles.
More about firefighting: Why Firefighting Is One of the Toughest Jobs In the World
