LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Several large fires kept firefighters across Southern Nevada busy Wednesday, as temperatures soared past 110 degrees.

8 News Now rode along with Henderson Fire Department to see how they dealt with the blistering heat while fighting these flames.

Battalion Chief Matt Truax spoke with 8 News Now about the real risk his crews face when summer temperatures bear down on the city.

“It’s a thick, heavy coat,” Truax said of their gear. “And it gets hot fast.”

He said the temperatures in and around any fire in blistering conditions can mean firefighters feel the intensity of several hundred degrees inside their turnouts.

“On any of our fires this time of year,” Truax said. “We bring out our rehab unit.”

The department’s rehab unit jumps into action on a hot day to help anyone who needs to cool down after a call.

“It’s filled with ice chests, with water, with other agents,” Truax explained. “All the other electrolytes to help cool us.”

After a fire is put out, vitals are taken while firefighters sit in a shaded area with fans and cold, wet towels. They are also given ice water and electrolytes.

“We’re doing the same thing we would want anyone else to do that gets overheated,” Truax explained. “Get cooled off right away and take anything off that will hold that body heat.”

He told 8 News Now this is one of the best ways to stop heat stroke or other serious sickness after exposure to the elements.

“Everything is dry right now,” Truax explained. “So we do have more house fires this time of year.”

Truax said this is just one of many ways crews stay sharp to help the community during such a busy season while keeping each other safe.

Henderson Fire officials also said they see about five times more fire calls around the Fourth of July, largely due to fireworks.

They asked the public to be extra careful this year, even with safe and sane fireworks, because conditions are so hot and dry.

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