Firefighters work through record-low temps, extreme conditions

Firefighters in Orange coped with the record-low temperatures and extreme conditions Thursday.

News 12 Staff

Jan 31, 2019, 10:09 PM

Updated 1,908 days ago

Share:

Firefighters in Orange coped with the record-low temperatures and extreme conditions Thursday.
Newburgh city firefighters had to train indoors between calls in an effort to keep warm.
Officials say in temperatures this low, truck equipment will freeze and any water use creates dangerously icy conditions.
Newburgh Fire Chief Terry Ahlers says they are rotating firefighters on calls and that rescuers are told to bring in extra gear.
"It's minutes until you get frostbite on your ears, fingers - anything exposed. So of course, the guys are bundled up more than normal. A lot of people think our turnout gear keeps them warm. It's not designed for that, so they have to wear extra layers,” says Ahlers.
Fire officials say in a single shift, crews can be out for hours with an increase in calls for carbon monoxide and fires related to space heaters.


More from News 12
0:36
Wake and funeral announced for Westchester correction officer killed in crash

Wake and funeral announced for Westchester correction officer killed in crash

1:37
Sunny in the 60s today, light showers expected tomorrow morning

Sunny in the 60s today, light showers expected tomorrow morning

2:09
Unconscious woman rescued from Spring Valley apartment complex fire; firefighter injured

Unconscious woman rescued from Spring Valley apartment complex fire; firefighter injured

0:20
3 Hudson Valley small towns ranked among best places for retirement

3 Hudson Valley small towns ranked among best places for retirement

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

0:32
Naming contest announced for baby falcons on Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

Naming contest announced for baby falcons on Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

0:56
Headlines: 2 men from Orange County sentenced for drug dealing, Ulster County drug and weapon bust

Headlines: 2 men from Orange County sentenced for drug dealing, Ulster County drug and weapon bust

0:42
State DEC introduces new shark handling regulations for marine anglers

State DEC introduces new shark handling regulations for marine anglers

0:36
Rockland County road resurfacing program begins

Rockland County road resurfacing program begins

0:22
Authorities: Man and woman arrested in Westchester for attempted homicide and assault

Authorities: Man and woman arrested in Westchester for attempted homicide and assault

0:40
Former Spring Valley building inspector files federal lawsuit against Rockland County and DA's office

Former Spring Valley building inspector files federal lawsuit against Rockland County and DA's office

0:24
New gastropub The Governess set to open on Poughkeepsie's waterfront

New gastropub The Governess set to open on Poughkeepsie's waterfront

0:36
Traffic Alert: Main Street closure in Kingston for roadwork

Traffic Alert: Main Street closure in Kingston for roadwork

0:48
9 steps to take if your ‘fur-ever’ friend goes missing

9 steps to take if your ‘fur-ever’ friend goes missing

0:31
President Joe Biden to visit Village of Irvington for celebrity fundraiser

President Joe Biden to visit Village of Irvington for celebrity fundraiser

2:39
Mary J. Blige’s Road to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame started in Yonkers public housing

Mary J. Blige’s Road to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame started in Yonkers public housing

2:04
‘She wore her uniform proudly.’ Westchester COBA mourns late officer Eleanor Birrittella

‘She wore her uniform proudly.’ Westchester COBA mourns late officer Eleanor Birrittella

1:45
West Point’s Keller Army Hospital, Hudson Valley VA form partnership to expand access

West Point’s Keller Army Hospital, Hudson Valley VA form partnership to expand access

2:19
Turn to Tara team looks at new domestic violence laws implemented across tri-state following NJ murder-suicide

Turn to Tara team looks at new domestic violence laws implemented across tri-state following NJ murder-suicide

1:56
Armonk twins showcase baking skills for Passover

Armonk twins showcase baking skills for Passover