The bitter cold conditions have wide-ranging impacts but none have higher stakes than its impact on firefighters.
Deputy Chief John Herrmann with the Erie Fire Department told us this cold weather is the worst weather for fighting fires and the only thing that could make it worse is heavy wind.
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When you combine that with water on the ground, equipment and hydrants, it becomes that much more dangerous.
“When you’re cold in this kind of weather and your fingers are numb, it’s easier to make a mistake, have an accident and get hurt. The equipment doesn’t want to work as good when it’s bitter cold, it’s just a miserable time to be fighting fires. The best thing is just to not have one,” Herrmann said.
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Deputy Chief Herrmann encourages everyone to double-check smoke detectors and space heaters, especially during this time saying this is an extremely important time not to have a fire at your house…