Heat warning in southern Alberta prompts safety reminder for workplaces

Calgary and areas to its east and south remain under a heat warning, and for those working in the hot weather, extra precautions must be taken.

Innes Fraser, the central district chief with the Calgary Fire Department, says hot days increase the risks of the job.

"As a firefighter, warm weather can be a real detriment to firefighting," he said. "Once we get all of our gear on, we can be carrying 80 to 100 pounds.… By the time we actually get to the fire on the back of the trucks, we're already starting to get hot."

He says that with the hot summer so far in southern Alberta, situations that require firefighting assistance are more frequent as people take to water sports and grass fires are more likely.

When the department responded to a fire at a church in southeast Calgary early Friday morning, the outdoor temperature was so hot that they had to dispatch additional firefighters to provide relief to the crew onsite, according to a release.

Rob Evans is the fire chief in Redwood Meadows, a small townsite west of Calgary. He says his volunteer-run fire hall has less resources to work with when responding to calls.

"The big problem with the firefighting gear is as well as it keeps the heat out, it keep the heat in," he said.

He says they carry a bit more water on their trucks as they don't have room for other equipment — like cooling chairs — to help cool them down.

On Friday, the province released a reminder for those working in outdoor and indoor settings in the heat to be aware of how to avoid illness and injury. 

It said to watch for early signs of heat stress, which can lead to heat stroke:

The province also stressed the importance of wearing suitable clothing for the heat, taking breaks, keeping hydrated and avoiding physical exertion during peak temperature highs. 

The Environment Canada forecast for Calgary estimates daily highs will remain in the high 20s and low 30s into next week.