Firefighters fight explosion and heat

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – An explosion shook several nearby businesses in Cape Girardeau and sent one man to the hospital; multiple fire crews responded to the call and were fighting the heat in more ways than one. 

As temperatures climb well into the 90’s first responders face dangerous conditions. Today firefighters battled not only an explosion but also the intense heat responding in heavy gear that can push their bodies to the limit. Michael Gentry is the Captain of Jackson Fire and Rescue he shares that smoke and heat from an explosion is dangerous enough but add triple digit heat index and 45-90 pounds of gear firefighters have to be fully prepared. 

“The gear you know it traps all that heat inside. Doesn’t let the heat go out. So definitely we got to watch our firefighters make sure they don’t get overheated.” says Gentry. “As well as doing the job tasks that we’re asked to do. Don’t matter if it’s cold or hot outside. A fireis  still on fire.”

Multiple crews from both Jackson and Cape Fire Departments responded to what’s believed to be a propane explosion at the Reliant business on Progress Drive. At least one person was hurt and received medical attention. Crews were on scene for several hours ensuring no one else was in the building when the explosion took place.

“We carry water jugs on our trucks like these that have cold water in them for our members when they get on scenes” says Gentry. “There’s also this device; they can spray this to let the water out. So, we’ll hook this up. you know, just a nice refresher, for a fireman coming out of, like, a burning building after doing their job. This can cool off real fast. You know, as you saw this morning with the big event, there in Cape they had a lot of people on site, and it’s all there to help people out.“