Firefighting in winter: Hazardous but beautiful
 

Firefighting in winter: Hazardous but beautiful
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c. 1940

New York firefighters battle a blaze while coated with icicles.

Image: Weegee(Arthur Fellig)/International Center of Photography/Getty Images

Contrary to its seemingly elemental opposition to fire, ice many times makes it more difficult for firefighters to do their jobs.

Fighting fires in extreme winter cold presents a host of unique challenges. S**w drifts can bury and obscure hydrants. Water can freeze on the inside and outside of hoses, damaging them or rendering them unusable. Icy roads can make it challenging for hulking fire engines to reach the scene of a blaze.

Equipment troubles aside, the mi****** and hazards of being out in the cold are compounded when firefighters are exposed to freezing spray for hours at a time. Mustaches and helmets become icicles, and clothes meant to protect against heat offer little help against frostbite Read more...

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