Firefighting in winter
How do you dress for that?
Alex Q. Arbuckle
1889-1980
Contrary to its seemingly elemental opposition to fire, ice many times makes it more difficult for firefighters to do their jobs.Fighting fires in extreme winter cold presents a host of unique challenges. Snow drifts can bury and obscure hydrants. Water can freeze on the inside and outside of hoses, damaging them or rendering them unusable. Icy roads can make it challenging for hulking fire engines to reach the scene of a blaze.Equipment troubles aside, the miseries and hazards of being out in the cold are compounded when firefighters are exposed to freezing spray for hours at a time. Mustaches and helmets become icicles, and clothes meant to protect against heat offer little help against frostbite. When a fire is finally put out, at least, the icicles offer some nice decoration for the burned shell of a building.
Visit Premier Exhibitions at 417 5th Avenue to see the past become present again at "Retronaut's New York." This pop-up exhibition of extraordinary, digitally restored photographs captures New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It's only open until May 15, so be sure to get down there before it’s gone.