Heat Safety A Priority For Tulsa Firefighters During Hot Days, 2 Hospitalized After Apartment Fire

Two Tulsa firefighters had to go to the hospital for heat-related illness while fighting a fire at the Windsail Apartments Monday night. The heat index while fighting the fire was well above 100 degrees.

The gear firefighters wear is so heavy and designed to keep the heat from fires out, but it also traps heat in and it can be dangerous. Big fire scenes require more firefighters so they can rotate them in and out.

Dozens of Tulsa firefighters from 19 fire engines worked to put out that large three-alarm fire near 71st and Mingo. The heat takes an extra toll on crews, which is why they send more firefighters to fight large fires.

Related: Authorities Battle 3-Alarm Fire At Windsail Apartments In Tulsa

"We don't get to choose the temperature in which we work, so if it is extremely hot like this, firefighters still have to do their jobs,” said Andy Little with the Tulsa Fire Department. “They are doing their best to save lives and property, and that fire was very big. So, you don’t really get to pick, I'd like to jump in the air conditioner." 

Little says the department has plans in place to keep crews safe like sending a rehab unit to a large fire scene.

"It carries things like electrolytes, regular water, chairs, fans, canopies so if it is in the sun they can get out of that environment,” said Little.

The District Chiefs on the scene are in charge of everything, and that includes keeping an eye on each firefighter and rotating them in and out so they don't overheat.

"When they do come out we make them drink fluids, we make them pull their gear actually down over their boots because even just taking your jacket off is not enough to cool your body down,” said Little. 

The department also has a Chief of Health and Safety, and he sends out daily messages to firefighters with advice to stay safe, like hydrating before their shift. 

"He regularly monitors not only the temperature but the heat index, humidity, and all the stuff that comes together to keep our firefighters safe,” said Little.

Little says fighting fires is a team game, so firefighters are also responsible for keeping an eye on each other.

Tulsa Apartment Fire Coverage:

1. 'It Breaks Your Heart': Residents Displaced By Fire At Tulsa Apartment Complex
2. Drone Footage Shows Smoke Pouring Out Tulsa Apartment Complex During Fire
3. Firefighters Say Building Design May Have Amplified Fire Spread At Tulsa Windsail Apartments
4. 'It's Surreal': Tulsa Apartment Residents, Victims Picking Up The Pieces After Damaging Fire