A summer heat wave is a stark reminder of the aggravating impact of extreme temperatures on incidences of deadly medical emergencies, and the consequent greater burden on fire departments and emergency services.
Temperature Extremes
In addition to increasing the risk of wildfires from dry vegetation, temperature extremes also mean residents are more likely to suffer from dehydration or heat stress.
Firefighters typically see a noticeable increase in calls during a heat wave as they struggle to respond to medical emergencies, vegetation blazes, and fires that result from overloaded electrical systems.
Harvard University Study Findings
At higher temperature thresholds, the relative risk of fire department dispatches increased from 6% to 18%
A Harvard University study sought to examine the daily utilization of police and fire department services during hot days in 23 U.S. cities representing six climate zones.
Among the findings: At higher temperature thresholds, the relative risk of fire department dispatches increased from 6% to 18%. Such findings inform adaptation strategies and guide emergency agencies to prepare budgets and personnel to ensure resilience as periods of extreme heat increase in frequency, severity, and duration, according to the study published in Geohealth.
Heat Waves
Heat waves are even more problematic in places like the United Kingdom and Northern Europe where extremely hot weather is rare and air conditioning less common.
The elderly and disabled are especially at risk if they are unable to find shelter in cooler places.
Firefighting And Emergency Response
UK will see more and different combinations of wildfires, floods, high winds, storms, and rising sea levels in the coming years
Record-breaking heat in the United Kingdom in 2022 resulted in hundreds of fires reported around the country, resulting in the busiest day for firefighters since the second world war.
Predictions suggest the UK will see more and different combinations of wildfires, floods, high winds, storms, and rising sea levels in coming years, highlighting the need for additional firefighting and emergency response resources.
Increased Water Demand
Increasing demand for water during a heat wave can deplete the water reserves needed for effective firefighting.
Dehydration and/or heat stress may compromise a resident’s decision-making ability, thus causing more potential dangers, including possible fires.
Impact Of Extreme Heat
Hot periods that traditionally spanned six or eight weeks may now spread over 12 weeks or longer
Extreme heat can negatively impact cognitive function, sleep quality, and impulse behavior. Extreme heat can also cause increased aggression. Alcohol consumption, which may increase during heat waves, can also be a factor.
Longer periods of high temperatures can strain resources. Hot periods that traditionally spanned six or eight weeks may now spread over 12 weeks or longer. There is unrelenting stress on resources over a long period.
Mutual Aid
Cooperation among local agencies can help manage resources that are overstressed. Relationships between fire departments and public health professionals, for example, can contribute to providing mutual aid as the situation changes or extends over a longer amount of time.
In the United States nationally, only 4% of fire department responses are for fires, while nearly 65% are for medical response calls. Extreme heat significantly affects human health factors, including preexisting conditions, and can even result in death.
Forecasting Models
In the broader picture, there is the possibility of adapting buildings, infrastructure, and landscapes
In the broader picture, there is the possibility of adapting buildings, infrastructure, and landscapes to be more resilient to temperature extremes.
Also, forecasting models are making it possible to manage increasing risks, assuming data is analyzed effectively and a community takes steps to prepare in advance.
Cooperation Among Services
While much of the discussion about the impact of climate change is global, there is less emphasis on the possible impact on local areas, including scarce firefighting resources.
One solution is more cooperation and mutual aid among services from neighboring areas. Fire departments will also look to shift their emphasis from preparing for a typical day to preparing for the worst day.
