Cold weather Firefighting

[Captain 402 3]

With the cold weather here what do you and your Department do that changes your method of operations ? Ie (H20 cans moved to interior compartments, draining main drain on pumps, lines open (cracked ) to eliminate freezing etc...)

What tips do you have for keeping warm while operating (*leaving 1 corner of a room burning is not an option!)

[IzzyEng4 427]

Operations on the FG remain the same with the pumps still running and at least one line cracked. The ladder pipe on our ladder was usually drained in-between uses depending how cold it is out. We used to carry extra speedy dry and sand to better the walking area. All our apparatus are stored in our bays and we never ever drain the pumps, by doing that, what ever water is left in the pumps as we go out into the cold freezes more rapidly, Its better to leave the pumps full and if you are asitting there for a while, throw it into pump and turn on the circulators.

[John Meeker Jr 0]

I have been in a structure fire where the fire was put out but the fire in the wood stove in the middle of the house was still going. It was so cold outside that if you stood still for 5 minutes your bunkers would stiffen up so you could hardly walk.

As far as the engines, regularly drain the piping but leave the pump full. if it is below 32 and you are stopped for any length of time put it in pump and circulate. speedy dry and sand are always useful. At any scene that water flows we will call the highway department to come out and sand. We will have an ambulance standing by on scene heated and ready for rehab.

[TimesUp 148]

Drained the Pump and all valves on the Engine today. If you're responding to a report of fire you can drop the tank before you go out the door.