LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A year ago, members of the Louisville Fire Department found a person dead after two Crescent Hill homes went up in flames.
The frigid air outside kept the smoke low, making it harder for crews to find the fires, an issue firefighters face every winter.
"The winter months are a very scary time, as far as bad fires going," said Rich Carlson, spokesperson for the Zoneton Fire Department said. "You see the greatest amount of life lost during the wintertime."
On top of that, the heavy snow and ice can also freeze firefighters' pumps and hoses.
"Our number one tool could also be our number one hazard when it comes to cold weather issues," Louisville Fire Capt. Donovan Sims said.
Crews take many precautions to keep the water flowing. The Zoneton Fire Department packs a hydrant thawer to break the ice.
Louisville Fire carries what firefighters call "the Red Dragon", which Sims said is akin to a propane tank with a torch on the end, used to heat the base of hydrants to get rid of any frozen water.
It only takes two minutes.
"We're always going to be prepared," Sims said.
Louisville Fire Department on scene of a structure fire. (WDRB image)
While the Red Dragon is a newer addition, Louisville Fire has passed down more than 160 years of preparation. Crews put tire chains on fire trucks and engines to help navigate slick roads. They carry salt in case water pools and freezes, and they pack extra clothes to avoid hypothermia after the fire is out.
"Your gear can be wet," Sims said. "You're sweating under there. You just don't realize it and now you're standing out in the cold and you're wet."
Louisville Fire asks people to plan ahead to help prevent more emergencies during this stretch of cold weather. That includes keeping three feet of clearance around space heaters and blowing out any unattended candles.
"If you're going to use a generator, make sure it's outside," Sims said. "You don't want that gas coming into your home. Then you have a carbon monoxide issue."
For more tips on how to protect your house and pets from the cold, click here.
Winter Storm Coverage:
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- Louisville hardware stores are unloading new shipments, selling winter items fast ahead of more snow
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- Experts share tips to protect your home, pets from bitter cold expected to linger in Louisville
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