LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Firefighters from about 5 different agencies were battling more than just the flames Sunday morning – they were also fighting against very cold weather.
"It's dangerous for a couple reason of course hypothermia and the water icing up and everybody slipping."
Temperatures were in the 20s early Sunday morning. Firefighters' gear that got drenched in water used to fight the flames froze up, leading to some very unpleasant conditions.
A TARC bus did come to provide warmth to those working – there were many crews at the scene so firefighters could all have a chance to switch out and warm up.
Fairdale Fire Chief Darrell Roy said when firefighters arrived at Kuhl's Liquor and Deli – there was heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the building.
Firefighters initially went in, but they couldn't get access to that floor.
"So we pulled everybody for fear of a full collapse so that's why we're all on the outside we cut holes in the building," he said.
In addition to the cold – the wind also made it difficult to fight the fire because it blows the smoke and makes it difficult to see.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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