VIDEO: Excessive heat is making a comeback to the Kansas City area, and firefighters are getting ready.
"The heat is always a big problem for us," said Michael Levasseur, a firefighter with the Overland Park Fire Department.
He said the gear they use weighs 60 pounds and conditions inside a house fire can heat up fast.
"If we're doing interior house fire type stuff, our body temperature can get up to 104 in these," Levasseur said.
He explained that firefighters condition themselves before they are even on duty.
"Our preparation usually starts when we're off duty, making sure that the day before we come in, we're hydrating adequately, we're staying away from coffee, late night eating, sugary drinks. The same thing coming in the morning," explained Levasseur.