(file photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Hot and Cold

Work continues for Melfort Fire Department, no matter the weather

Jan 15, 2020 | 1:00 PM

Some people may be doing whatever possible to avoid going outside when the mercury dips, but for the Melfort Fire Department things roll along for them.

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the department was dispatched to a pair of calls. Overnight, the temperature was below -30 Celsius, creating new challenges for outdoor work.

“Our number one priority is looking after ourselves, and looking after the citizens of Melfort for sure,” Fire Chief Shaun Stewart said.

He said when it comes to being out on calls in the extreme cold, they’ve got to be aware of keeping warm.

“We want to make sure we rotate our manpower through our rescue unit,” Stewart told northeastNOW. “It’s climate controlled in the back. Guys can get in, peel off some of their clothing, get everything warmed up again and then be ready to go back out and do whatever we need to do.”

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Stewart said it doesn’t change their tactics when it comes to fighting fires, but he said the cold weather brings new dangers. Ice buildup, frozen hoses and water freezing can all happen.

Meanwhile, for people who may be out driving and come an emergency vehicle, Stewart said to give workers their space.

“Slow down,” he said. “Doesn’t matter if it’s here in town [or] out on the highway. Slow down for them during this time, a little bit more than you normally would.”

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett