Dealing with the heat while fighting a fire

Not only were firefighters dealing with unknown hazards, flying debris and a serious threat to the nearby neighborhood. <br><br>There was yet another complicating factor. The temperature reached the

Monday, August 18th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Not only were firefighters dealing with unknown hazards, flying debris and a serious threat to the nearby neighborhood.

There was yet another complicating factor. The temperature reached the century mark creating an extremely dangerous situation for fire crews.

The protective gear, plus their handling of equipment, coupled with the heat, all added up to a serious risk. Many agree this fire was one for the history books. Michael Baker, fire equipment operator, "I've seen on some incidents that are pretty, just as spectacular. However, size of the area, multiple buildings being involved. That's when you're like OK, I'll write this one down in the ole yearbook."

The plan for handling the heat involved rotating fresh firefighters in after thirty minutes. And then rehab time for crews returning from the front lines.