A Blaze of Glory

  • Published
  • 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  Base Airmen and civilians would've wrapped themselves in the flag Wednesday--or anything else they could find to shield them from the searing, mid-day sun as temperatures here hovered at 100 degrees. 

Although the thermometer stopped one degree short of Massachusetts' 54-year-old mark for the hottest day on record, the oppressive conditions warranted a 'Black Flag' heat index, which limits outdoor activities to critical missions only. Even then, workers must follow the 20/40 rule--40 minutes rest for every 20 minutes of work--and consume 1-2 quarts of water every hour.