Blazing Hot Weather Puts Long Island Firefighters To The Test
HEMPSTEAD, NY (WCBS 880) - It can be difficult battling any fire, but with the heat and humidity, it makes the job of firefighters even more dangerous.
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In Hempstead, dozens of firefighters put out a blaze at an apartment building on Washington Street.
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"It's very hard for our firefighters. As you know, our gear, you know, it protects us, but it's also very hot in that gear," said the fire department's William Herrera.
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Because of the blaze, the utilities were shut off and that means no electricity.
One resident had sweat pouring off her brow. She was trying to cool off with a cup of cold water from the Red Cross.
"It's unbearable hot right now, you know. I feel like I could just drop right now, it's so hot," she said.
Residents climbed into emergency buses with air conditioning and were taken to a cooling center.
A Red Cross spokesperson said they will provide shelter for everyone affected.
