KXAN
AUSTIN — The combined effort fighting the Hidden Pines Fire has never stopped since the fire sparked Wednesday afternoon. But even in a fight that lasts all hours of the day, rest and recovery become a part of the battle.
“The weather has been miserable. It is hot and these guys are tired,” said Mizzy Zdroj, the assistant chief at Heart of the Pines Fire Department. “That is why we have rehab and we come in and switch out for fresh crews as much as we can.”
At Smithville Volunteer Fire Department, a typical shift is 12 hours on and 12 hours off, but even time off can be difficult to enjoy. “My husband has been home at night, but he has been up all night,” said Alicia Elam, the wife of Smithville Fire Chief James Elam. “The scanner never stops.”
Full story: Rest and rehab: Key pieces in fire fight