Firefighters Battling More Than Flames In Coronavirus Era

MELROSE, MA — Fire Chief Ed Collina likes to say that even if everything goes perfectly to plan, a firefighter's job is one of the most dangerous around. And he was saying that well before the coronavirus showed up.

Tuesday's fire on Willow Street in Melrose was an example of what is becoming an increasingly fraught situation for responders.

The fire raged in a two-story home on the narrow street. Firefighters huddled together in front of the home battling the blaze. A couple dozen onlookers were not-so spread out behind them.

Read: Time Was Of The Essence In Willow Street Fire Response

In the era of social distancing, smoke and flames aren't the only things firefighters are contending with.

"[Tuesday's] fire was a visible enemy," Collina told Patch Wednesday. "The COVID situation, that's an invisible enemy."

Firefighters are often the first responders to calls, which are frequently for medical issues. Some of them, especially of late, are for respiratory issues and flu-like symptoms.

The first on scene need to take extra precautions without sacrificing time or efficiency in providing aid.

"We don't know who has it," Collina said. "We're treating all our patients as if they're COVID positive."

At one point, the department was responding to calls while critically low on personal protective equipment, with just some 40 N95 masks to call its own. A shipment of about 300 finally arrived last week.

With or without proper gear, Collina said his department hasn't missed a beat.

"The men and women of this department have stepped up admirably and are performing as if nothing going on," he said. "But the anxiety level is there. We have to manage our PPE — we also have to manage our firefighters' anxiety."

Collina noted firefighters may be selfless by nature, but they still go home to their families — sometimes after direct contact with someone who has COVID-19.

On Willow Street, only a handful of firefighters had masks on, and most were in close proximity with one another.

"It is tough," Collina said. "We're all conscious about the social distancing, but when you're trying to give an order to someone — with the ambient noises of the fire scene .... you sometimes have to yell at someone's face.

"But we're wearing our PPE the best we can," he continued. "I'm very proud of the men and women of the department for what they've exhibited ... as this threat actually became a reality.

"We just have to ride out this storm."