Wind chills were below zero when local and area fire departments were called out to a structure fire Thursday morning.
Emporia and Hartford-Neosho Rapids were called out to the 1800 block of Road 90 after a reported chimney fire developed around 9 am. Hartford Fire Chief Craig Andrews says the fire was out before crews arrived. Nobody was hurt.
Firefighters have to take several precautions whenever they battle fires in subfreezing conditions. Emporia Battalion Chief Ryan Conley tells KVOE News one of the first steps is to get the engine pump going.
Conley says crews take the necessary driving precautions getting to a fire call, based on the road conditions. Crews also carry ice melt, extra clothing and special traction gear to stay safe.
A damage estimate on the Road 90 fire is pending. A cause has not been determined.
