The Bay area heat will play a critical role in the Republican National Convention in Tampa next month.
"It doesn't take any time out here in this environment to absolutely succumb from dehydration," Tampa Fire Rescue chief Tom Foward said.
So firefighters are prepping for what they expect to be the busiest part of their job during the convention: Responding to demonstrators suffering from heat-related ailments.
"That's going to be the busiest piece; there's no doubt," Forward said.
With the heat a major concern, about a half-dozen water stations will be set up for demonstrators. Many of them will be along the anticipated parade route.
And if there's someone suffering from heat exhaustion, they'll be taken to an air conditioned tent that will be staffed with first-responders.
Still, things could get hairy with so many protesters expected.
So, the chief says, the city is taking extra precautions.
For instance, water will be given out in paper cups rather than plastic.
"We don't want to position ourselves or provide resources that could be used against us or used against anybody on the parade route," Forward said.
Smaller emergency vehicles will replace the typical big red fire trucks.
"We can also manage a patient, strap down a patient," Forward said.
And Segway people movers will help crews maneuver through crowds.
There are also two new trucks being built now: a mobile command center and a tactical unit. Both are expected to be ready by the end of the month.
After two years of planning for the grand 'ol party, the chief says, Tampa Fire Rescue will be ready for the heat and all that comes with it.