Firefighters deal with freezing conditions to battle fire
BELOIT — Fighting fires in Wisconsin in the winter is anything but routine. Just ask any firefighter who's had to handle a pumper or hose as the ground they're standing on quickly turns into an ice skating rink.
That was case early Tuesday morning on Beloit's east side as units from the Beloit fire department headed to a house fire at 1109 Keeler Avenue. Beloit Captain, Ed Armstrong, says as soon as the first units arrived, mutual aid was requested from six other area fire departments. He says it doesn't take long for anyone on the front line to need a rest when temperatures go below zero.
Armstrong says the current method used to assure a water supply, while fighting winter fires, keeps the equipment from freezing up, but also adds to the icy mess on the ground.
Armstrong says the only equipment problem was with a Beloit pumper that was scheduled for repairs. It was one of the first units on the scene, but had to taken out of service when it ran low on fuel.
Assisting Beloit with the fire were units from Janesville, Clinton, Evansville, South Beloit, Town of Beloit and the Town of Turtle. The Red Cross also played a role in reviving firefighters with hot coffee or cocoa so they could return to their duties.
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By GAZETTE STAFF 09/16/08
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