Summer is here in South Florida, and it’s only going to keep getting warmer.
Firefighters, this time of year, especially feel the heat, battling scorching flames with rising outside temperatures in the mix.
St. Lucie County firefighters trained in the heat Friday, intentionally.
“There’s a lot of challenges in the summer time due to the heat and the humidity,” said St. Lucie County Fire District Lt. Kevin Whitaker.
Friday’s live fire training focused on water supply and hose management.
They practiced putting out a fire inside a building, staying in the building for about 20 minutes.
“We go and we see what your body can take. We don’t push anybody past their limit. We encourage all of the crews that when you’re in the building, if you feel like you’re getting over heated, you know where your point is and we try to build you up from there,” Lt. Whitaker said.
It’s all about taking breaks and staying hydrated.
“We’ve had it in this building up to 1200 degrees.”
They remember their limitations in training, so they know when to take a break in a real response.
"We have to train in this weather so that our bodies get accustomed to it. That’s the only way that you’re ever going to be able to do it.”
It’s all about making sure they’re prepared in any environment to keep you safe.
“It makes us ready for the St. Lucie County residents and ready to serve.”
