"Extreme conditions:" Milwaukee firefighters risk hypothermia to put out two fires, back-to-back

MILWAUKE (WITI) --Battling flames and bitterly cold temperatures, emergency responders faced dangerous conditions as they worked to put out two fires, back-to-back on Wednesday, December 31st.

The flames were hot, and the wind chill was below zero!

"Very extreme conditions, very difficult conditions," Battalion Chief David Votsis said.

Firefighters were first dispatched to a fire at an apartment building near Richards and Keefe. The cold led to water from their hoses freezing.

"Our breathing equipment freezes up, so it`s a major major challenge," Votsis said.

Firefighters worked the scene for hours. Then, with very little time to warm up, their next call came in. They headed to 49th and North for a house fire.

"The guys are holding up well but this cold, it takes a lot out of you," Votsis said.

The same group of 28 men took precautions not to slip and fall, get frostbite or hypothermia. Working with water that instantly turned to ice was tough.

"It makes it so you don`t realize how cold you are. It almost blankets us to the effect that you almost go numb," Votsis said.

No one was seriously injured in either fire, but at least eight people were displaced. The Red Cross was on scene helping those people.

"We try to make them have some of the essentials, and provide them with a place to stay and some food in their stomach," Robert Phelps, a team leader with the Red Cross said.

But for the firefighters, their battle with the bitter cold doesn't end once the fire is out.

"Once they warm up, that is when you really start feeling the effects," Votsis said.

Votsis says the fire at Richards and Keefe likely started in the basement.

The cause of the fire near 49th and North in under investigation for possible arson. Milwaukee police have confirmed for FOX6 News the fire is suspicious in nature.

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