Shakopee Firefighters Battle Fire In Sweltering Temps
SHAKOPEE, Minn. (WCCO) -- With the thermometer in the 90's, there are few tougher jobs than fighting a fire. But that's what firefighters had to do in Shakopee Sunday.
Numerous fire crews were called to a home on Zumbro Avenue in Shakopee Sunday afternoon. It was fully engulfed before the first firefighters could get there.
By the time they were done, more than 13 departments had been called in.
Reinforcements were called to keep the firefighters fresh and healthy while fighting the blaze.
Heat exhaustion or heat stroke could happen in minutes for firefighters working in extreme temperatures, so they used the buddy system and a series of stations to cool themselves off.
"With it being hot and humid, we are running them now in 10 minute work cycles," said Shakopee Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Yttreness. "We're getting the guys in, getting them cooled off, getting them water and checking their vitals and sending them back -- if they can go back."
The house looks to be a total loss, but everybody got out safely.
