Extreme heat plays factor as two Richmond firefighters get sent to hospital

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- This week's intense heat wave played a critical role in a fire that broke out in Shockoe Bottom, sending two firefighters to the hospital with heat exhaustion.

Crews with the Richmond Fire Department were called to a building near 1700 E. Main Street the afternoon of Wednesday, June 24, for reports of a structure fire.

As flames tore through a building on one of the hottest days of the year, the already grueling conditions were intensified by the high temperatures and the heavy gear firefighters are required to wear.

Richmond Fire Chief Jay Segal explained the extreme strain these conditions place on crews.

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“Heat conditions like this — it makes it hard [to do] anything, right? So just imagine [how it is for] the firefighters,” Segal said.

Rick Talley, Chief of the Metro Richmond Flying Squad, a volunteer group that provides on-site support for first responders, said preparing crews for heat is crucial. With 45 years of experience, Talley emphasized the importance of hydration and cooling protocols.

“We start the rehydration process and we start cooling the body. [We use] cooling towels that have been in cold water,” Talley said. “We also have cooling vests we can use. They put it on, and as the water evaporates, it cools them.”

Talley stressed that these measures aren’t just helpful — they’re lifesaving.

“When you get dehydrated, your blood thickens,” Talley said. “When your blood thickens, the heart rate increases, the blood pressure increases because the body’s trying to compensate. So that heat stress is very hard on the systems.”

He added that taking frequent breaks to cool off and rehydrate is vital to reducing the risk of heat-related emergencies during fire responses, especially in weather like Richmond is currently facing.