Local firefighters share struggles of fighting fires in winter

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Many central Illinois towns and villages have experienced large fires in the past week. Local fire departments say wind and below freezing temperatures are to blame for increased damages, because those factors make fighting fires more difficult.

Springfield Firefighter Amanda Laager says sights like these aren't uncommon for her.

"Everything's frozen, everything's really slippery, kind of gets out of your hands or gloves — your gear freezes, your mask freezes."

The difficult job is made even harder by the weather.

"Everything has water in it. Because on top of the cold, you're spraying water, which is coming down on yourself. Which gets a little tricky,"said Laager.

Residents are reminded to take precautions with fireplaces and space heaters when the weather dips down.