"Everything turns to ice instantly:" Milwaukee Fire Department battles house fire in frigid temperatures
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Fire Department took extra precautions today as they were called to a house fire near Greenfield and 33rd in Milwaukee.
Extra resources were called to help fight the fire because of the frigid temperatures.
The fire started in the attic of the home around 8:30 Tuesday morning.
Six people live in the house, including three children, and they will not be able to return anytime soon.
Firefighters did find a woman on the first floor and helped her to safety but no one was hurt.
They are now being helped by Red Cross.
Firefighters say there is now significant damage to the second floor and attic and the roof was torn open for ventilation.
Not only did fire crews have to fight the fire, but the cold too.
Extremely cold weather can make their job even more difficult.
“Well, it's frigidly cold so everything turns to ice instantly,” Milwaukee Fire Department Battalion Chief Joseph Hegeman Jr. “We try to put salt down. Our hydrants can lock up. We have trouble getting water supply. This gear is designed to protect us from the firefighting elements, but as far as keeping us warm that's a challenge as well.”
No firefighters were hurt.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.