As most Independence Day celebrations across the Triangle are still on tap for Saturday, fire and forestry crews are preparing to respond to an increase in fire-related calls.
The preparation is two-fold. Not only are crews expected more calls for injuries or small fires from fireworks or sparklers; they're also preparing for possible brushfires due to dry conditions, caused by the region's ongoing drought.
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The problem is intensified by record heat forecasted this weekend, with the heat index expected to be in the triple digits. Though fire gear can withstand exceedingly high temperatures, firefighters body temperatures can reach nearly 100 degrees in some cases, causing serious injuries.
Dylan Cash with the Bullock Volunteer Fire Department in Granville County said his team got a taste responding to large fires during intense heat this weekend, citing a 15-acre brushfire that ignited on a private property not far from the Virginia line.
"It was very difficult, we had to find the fire. Once we found the fire, we realized we were going to need more resources," Cash said.
Cash, his, team, and rangers with the N.C. Forestery Service said they used a new GPS tool to pinpoint the flames called "I Am Responding," saying the mobile platform helped cut down on their response time and keep first responders safe during the call.
"Being able to see exactly where the caller called from really made a difference here," said Rob Montague, a ranger with the Forestery Service covering Granville and Vance County. "Because we're in an exceptional drought, our fuels are very dry, so looking at the natural barriers, as well as how far the fire can progress, to come up with a safe way for responders to actually stabilize the scene and stop the fire itself from moving."
The tool works in tandem with the county's 911 center, able to track where crews are on the ground. Cash and Montague said being able to see where crews are in real time can help smaller volunteer crews if they experience exhaustion or need to call in more resources.
"Being able to see where responders are helps to make sure they're in a safe location, helps us update our incident priorities, and how far along the incident is being contained," Montague said.
Though the program itself is 20 years old, it's a new platform for the county, cost free to taxpayers there. All fire departments, sheriff's departments and EMS have access to the tool.
"When the citizens call, seconds matter, and I Am responding allows us to give this information to the responder so they can be prepared before they arrive on scene," said Stacey Hicks, Director of Emergency Communications for the county.
Cash said his team will continue following safety protocols while responding to incidents over the holiday heat wave.
"We check on everybody regularly, check their levels," Cash said. "I told everybody to find some shade if they could and just take care of themselves."