Firefighters are taking special care not to overheat while keeping the community safe during Sunday's extreme heat.

Firefighters at Bridgeport Fire Department Headquarters say the gear they wear makes it even harder to fight fires, totaling up to about 55 pounds.

Nine years ago this week, two firefighters, Mitch Baik and Lt. Steven Valesquez, died while battling flames in the intense heat.

Lt. Michael Raffalo knew both men, and says the extreme weather conditions on July 24, 2010 complicated the fire, showing just how dangerous hot weather can be for firefighters.

That is why firefighters are making sure to stay hydrated and guard against the heat in other important ways.

To offset the extreme physical exertion associated with hauling that much weight around in a fire during a heat-wave, firefighters say they must drink a lot of liquids.

A mass will be held on July 24th at 9 a.m. to commemorate the fallen heroes.