Extreme heat complicates firefighting efforts across LI
Heavy protective gear—ranging from 50 to 70 pounds—amplifies the risk of heat-related illness for responders battling flames in the brutal heat.
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Sweltering temperatures across the Long Island are adding serious strain to firefighting operations.
Heavy protective gear—ranging from 50 to 70 pounds—amplifies the risk of heat-related illness for responders battling flames in the brutal heat.
Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro emphasized the critical measures taken during extreme weather: calling in additional crews from neighboring departments, limiting time near active flames and ensuring firefighters have recovery breaks.
“You’ve got to get all that gear off them. Usually, we have ice vests, in addition to just water, to cool them down. And we have paramedics and EMTs check them to make sure that all their vital signs are with a normal range before we put that gear back on them and send them back into battle,” Uttaro said.
As News 12 has reported, six firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion while responding to a blaze on Hollyhock Road in Levittown on Tuesday evening.
Resident Linda Harrison, who lives just two houses away from the scene, recalled approaching one firefighter who appeared to be in distress.
“He was leaning against the tree, and he was there for quite a while. And then he ended up, I guess, they gave him water, and he ended up getting sick,” Harrison said.
Uttaro stressed the importance of identifying symptoms early to avoid more serious complications.
“We don't want one of these volunteer firefighters to go home and have some type of a breathing or heart issue and become a bigger medical matter,” he said.
All firefighters evaluated after the Levittown house fire are expected to recover, and no injuries were reported in the home involved.
