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Firefighters work through heat wave in Kansas City

Posted at 2:12 PM, Jul 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-24 18:51:58-04

A fire in Brookside put firefighters to work during this week’s heat wave, which is no easy task.

"If anybody has a snow suit or a ski suit throw that on and then go outside and run around your house a few times," said Battalion Chief John Baker with the Kansas City Fire Department.

On Sunday, firefighters put out a fire within 15 minutes, any longer and backup would have been needed.

"This was a fairly quick extinguishment, if it would have been a more involved fire with a larger fire I would have had extra companies come in to give relief just because these guys can't work that hard for that long in this heat," said Baker.

Baker says once a firefighter runs out of air, it is usually a sign they need a break.

According to the "Firefighter Life Safety Institute Research Center" more firefighters die from heart attacks and slips and falls than any other cause. The research suggests heat stress may be a common factor in those deaths. 

Typically crews think ahead.

"We have two ambulances here. one to make sure to monitor all the fire fighters as they come out, checks to make sure if anybody looks over exhausted or over stressed by the heat," said Baker.

After the fire was out, some used the hose to cool off, and there was plenty of water to go around.

"We'll get back to the station and everybody knows to get back on the water and make sure you're keeping hydrated for the day," said Baker.

No one was home at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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Ali Hoxie can be reached at ali.hoxie@kshb.com

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