Johnson City Fire Department talks struggles amidst hot weather

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Summer weather is in full force in the Tri-Cities, and on top of heavy equipment, firefighters are finding ways to stay cool.

Firefighter Anthony “Tony” Eddins with the Johnson City Fire Department (JCFD) told News Channel 11 that gear and weather can make the job more challenging.

“We can have upwards of 90 extra pounds with tools and all,” Eddins said. “So that’s an added struggle with the gear itself. It’s designed to keep heat out, so it also keeps heat in. So when you get to work, and you build up that heat stays in there, it doesn’t escape.”

Eddins said it’s hard sometimes to find a place to cool off while on a call.

“The hard part about that is having a place to cool off because you may go in a fire or something where it’s already hot, and then when you come back out, it’s still super hot,” Eddins said. “There’s no nowhere to cool off it, and that can be rough.”

He said the weight on a firefighter’s back is similar to carrying around a person. The team does what it can to prevent overheating, such as dumping cold water on themselves or receiving a visit from the rehab unit.

“Throughout the day here,” Eddins said. “We’ll just drink waters while we’re here, and then we’ll have water on the rig. And we have a rehab unit that’ll bring water and electrolyte drinks to us on [the] scene. So it’s just just making sure you keep your fluid intake up.”

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