SJFD prepares crews, gear for winter weather

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- As the temperatures drop, not only does the St. Joseph Fire Department prepare its crew, but its equipment as well.

Bill Lamar, emergency manager for the City of St. Joseph, said any time there's freezing temperatures, fire crews have to deal with freezing water and equipment.

"They (fire crews) have to bring more equipment, more clothing to change into any time that they've gotten wet," he said. "Stay at a structure fire, then they're going to have to change out equipment and their supplies also."

Lamar said that before the colder temperatures approach, fire equipment gets tested.

"Typically, any of our testing has been done more towards this time of the year. So most recently, you see that we've done hose testing out in the neighborhoods," he said. "That makes sure that the hose is ready for the colder seasons. But also, the trucks are checked, and the ladders are also checked before the winter season hits."

During the winter, the water in fire hydrants can freeze. Lamar said the fire department works closely with Missouri American Water, which maintains and operates the hydrants.

"Any time we've been at a fire, we let them know...That way, the hydrant is prepared for any time it needs to get used after that," he said.

The winter also changes the way firefighters respond to calls. Lamar said crews have to drive slow to avoid issues with snow and ice.

"You have to drive more pronounced as far as getting to the scene, because typical roads that you might be able to take won't be possibly plowed or they might be too slick to go up a hill," Lamar said. "So the crews really prepare early to make sure they can get to the scene the safest way."

Despite colder temperatures while fighting fires, winter proves to be complicated for fire crews.

"It gets really cold because you're not only not in the fire anymore, but you're also wet and sweaty," he said. "So most of the crews bring extra socks, extra clothes to change into, but boy, when you're on the scene, it's just a matter of trying to stay as warm and as active as possible."

SJFD reminds the public to stay safe when using alternative heating sources. Lamar said winter is a busy time of the year for the fire department due to the risks of different heating sources.

"As far as like overheated extension cords that are running, like space heaters, during the time they sleep. So nobody's awake to catch a fire when it starts. And then also, if they haven't cleaned out their HVAC system or their chimney, we'll see a lot of like chimney fires," he said.

Lamar also said to make sure smoke detectors are available throughout homes and that batteries are replaced.