If you think you're hot this summer, imagine fighting fires day in and day out, no matter the temperature, and doing it with tons of equipment strapped to your body.
When it is steamy outside, it can be a drain on firefighers. That's why the Blount County Fire Protection District encourages a lot of water consumption.
Firefighter Will Thacker suits up for every call with the Blount County Fire Protection District.
With 100 + degree weather and 60 pounds of gear, it can be exhausting, but worth it.
"A lot of patience," said Thacker, "A lot of willpower and willing to help the community."
The fire department is prepared for the warm days. They carry lots of water on their fire trucks.
Thacker explained, "We carry coolers on the truck, water on the truck to drink."
"We keep water on the trucks," said Chief Doug McClanahan, "Drinking water, we also have a cooler with gatorade and water in it. We keep them hydrated that way."
Chief McClanahan tells his 55 firefighters to hydrate long before they suit up. Also, at every major fire, they have a misting machine. It helps drop their temperature.
These experienced firefighters say this is the hottest summer they've ever seen. In addition to drinking water, they have a few other tricks.
Thacker said, "When you start to see white spots, it's time to come out."
"Keep an eye on yourself and others. We pretty much know each others' limitations and you know your limitations and when you don't start feeling right, it's time to stop," explained Chief McClanahan.
The Blount County Fire Protection District recently started the "hot team" with several other local agencies.
If anyone needs back-up due to the heat at a fire scene, two firefighters are sent from each department for relief.