Firefighters rotated, hydrated during 5-alarm fire
MILWAUKEE- Firefighters had to battle Wednesday's heat and humidity along with the five-alarm fire on Milwaukee's north side.
They were weighted down with about 70 pounds of equipment as they battled the flames near N. 12th St. and W. Vliet St.
Fire officials in charge had their own battle to fight with temperatures soaring in the mid-90's
"We're doing our best to not let them work for long periods of time. Hydrate them and constantly being evaluated by our paramedics," said Milwaukee Fire Department Deputy Chief Randall Zingler.
That meant lots of water, Gatorade and fans to prevent heat exhaustion for the men and women rotating in and out.
"When you're wearing the type of gear these gentleman wear and your working in this type of heat it takes it's toll," said Milwaukee Fire Bell Club President Chuck Liedtke.
By noon, firefighters had already downed about 250 bottles of water and at least 16 gallons of Gatorade -- all donated by a volunteer group.
The Milwaukee Fire Bell Club provided that cool food and drink for the firefighters; all of those items were donated, without a single penny going to taxpayers.
That help for people on the front lines limited heat related injuries.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.