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Trainer’s Corner: Cold weather operations

As I wrote this, B.C. was in the middle of an Arctic freeze. Our overnight temperatures were -35 C and daytime reached a balmy -20 C.    

“Old man winter” had arrived, and I found myself thankful for two things: first that I wasn’t in Alberta, (they were much colder than us) and secondly, I was thankful to be retired. I’ve certainly had my fair share of icicles hanging off my SCBA mask.   

In most parts of Canada, firefighters must now deal with additional demands on their physical being and emergency apparatus due to heavy snowfall and extremely cold temperatures.  

When responding to an emergency in sub-zero temperatures, firefighters need to be aware of the impact of cold weather conditions on personal safety. It has been said that fighting the elements and working on icy surfaces starts the moment the bay doors open. True enough, but for paid-on-call members, it starts when the pager sounds: 

• Will your personal vehicle start in sub-zero temperatures?
• Is your driveway clear?
• Did you remove all the snow/ice from your vehicle’s windows?

Don’t become the emergency through unsafe driving practices. 

Winter road conditions can adversely affect your personal vehicle as well as fire apparatus handling. Firefighters should be trained to deal with increased stopping distances, decreased visibility and the unpredictable actions of other motorists. 

Apparatus operators should consider the need for alternate routes in case of inaccessibility to the incident due to snow. 

Keep in mind extreme winter conditions will cause longer response times. You have heard this before, but it bears repeating that you, as a first responder, are of little value unless you are able to arrive on scene safely.  

Once on scene, the IC will have to take into account seasonal hinderances to access and placement of apparatus: 

• Do snowbanks block access?  
• Is there ice on the stairs?  
• Are fire hydrants accessible? 
• Are there hidden hazards under the snow? (trip or fall hazards). 

Water on the ground during cold weather operations will create an increased potential for slips and falls. Be aware that some of the water applied to a burning structure may freeze on the building. As more and more water is applied, ice will cause additional weight and stress on structural members increasing collapse potential. 

Over the years I have compiled a list of concerns and suggestions regarding cold weather operations.  Some of these were from departments I was involved with; others came as suggestions from departments across our great country.  

One common concern was that cold weather operations take a huge toll on your apparatus and your members. Hopefully the following points will prove to be a good review for you and your crews. 

• Apparatus maintenance is crucial! Make sure that tire chains or other traction devices are available for all first-in units.
• Carry a supply of salt, sand or oil-dry to enhance footing and reduce the possibility of falls.
• If hose lines are going into a long standby mode, partially open the control valves. This will allow water to flow and prevent freezing.
• During heavy snowfalls, apparatus may be forced to operate at a greater distance from the fire building. Extra lengths of attack line should be added to pre-connects to compensate for that additional stretch.
• Ensure that extra turnout gear is available, especially gloves. It’s recommended that firefighters wear layered clothing.   
• Bunker boots and winter roof conditions can quickly add up to an accident. Some soles become hard in cold weather, others are worn smooth (and really should be replaced). Both cases can prevent them from having good traction, especially on ice. Removable traction grips are available to fit bunker boots.
• Fire hydrants near roadways can be covered with plowed snow. Departments should ensure hydrants are accessible after severe storms before they freeze by routinely checking on them and clearing snow from them. Attaching flags or other marking device to the hydrant before it snows can make it easier to spot them when snow covered.
• Small, handheld propane torches can help free frozen hydrant caps or hose couplings during cold weather.
• A spray bottle full of antifreeze can help free frozen caps or couplings. During winter months, try spraying this on port cap threads to keep them from freezing.
• Vehicles that are mechanically marginal in good weather are almost guaranteed to fail when the weather turns cold. 
• Severe cold will significantly reduce battery capacity. Check all batteries, hand-lights, PASS alarms and radios. 
• If you have tire chains, make sure everyone knows how to install them and how to drive with them once they’re on. Those with “insta-chains” need to make make sure they engage and disengage properly. You should also check your tandem axle differential lockups if you have them.
• Some departments have found success with plug-in battery trickle chargers and engine pre-heaters to help in those bitter cold start-and-go scenarios.
• Develop a plan “B” with the agency responsible for road maintenance.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the cold weather use of SCBA. Review BA emergency procedures.
•  The IC should request additional resources as soon as possible. Firefighters may only be able to battle the elements for short time periods in extreme weather. 

Last but not least, don’t forget to review the procedures for dealing with hypothermia. Not just for the public, but for your firefighters. This condition results when the body core temperature falls below normal. Firefighters suffering from hypothermia will exhibit shivering, confusion, extreme fatigue, and drowsiness. 

Rehab now concerns re-warming as well as re-hydration.

Along with hypothermia do not overlook frostbite, which is caused by parts of the body being exposed to extreme cold. Fluids contained within an exposed body part freeze causing blood vessel damage and necrosis or death of tissue in the affected area. Frostbite will appear as discoloration in skin appearance and will be accompanied by numbness and stiffness to the affected area.

Several factors contribute to the severity of frostbite:

• The temperature to which the exposed part is exposed.
• The length of time which the body part is exposed.
• The condition of clothing covering the exposed area (wet or dry). 

Most often the hands, feet, ears, and face of a firefighter are most prone to frostbite. The best way to prevent frostbite is to protect skin from direct exposure to cold air. I know it sounds like a broken record, but firefighters should replace wet gloves as soon as possible.  

As well as gloves it may be a good idea to keep a change of socks in your gear bag or on the apparatus during winter months. Try to dress in layers under your PPE.  

Cold weather can definitely take a toll on firefighters and the equipment that they use. However, with proper pre-incident planning, training and awareness, the hazards of extreme winter weather fire fighting can be reduced to allow safe operations on the fire ground. 

A note to training officers: Your dedication to firefighter safety, whether through new innovations or simply reviewing old time-tested procedures, is what makes the difference every day on the fire ground. I thank you for your dedication to excellence. Until next time please, stay safe and remember to, “Train like lives depend on it, because they do.”  

4-9-4 – Ed.    

Ed Brouwer is the chief instructor for Canwest Fire in Osoyoos, B.C., a retired deputy chief training officer, fire warden, WUI instructor and ordained disaster-response chaplain. Contact aka-opa@hotmail.com.