Heat Takes Toll on NJ Firefighters at House Fire

July 13, 2023
Four Passaic firefighters were hospitalized for heat-related issues while others were treated at the scene.

Four Passaic firefighters were transported to St. Mary's Hospital after suffering from heat-related illnesses at a house fire Wednesday afternoon.

Other firefighters were treated at the scene, Passaic Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost told CBS3.

The first firefighter collapsed soon after crews started fighting the interior operation. They were dealing with immediate fatigue and heat and running on pure adrenaline, he added.

At one point during the height of the fire, all firefighters were removed in order to account for everyone. They then continued fighting the blaze from outside.

"Probably the worst scenario is when you're dealing with a fire that's 800 degrees and hotter and the outside temperature is in the 90s, humidity is at 80, 90 percent. It's probably the worst scenario you can put us in, and basically that's what we're dealing with," he said.

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