New Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department officials are discussing the unique set of risks and challenges for members in severe cold.  They say serious fires are more likely to occur during periods of severe cold often resulting from temporary and innovative heat sources.  The risk of hypothermia is a concern, because personal protective equipment provide only limited insulation from severe cold.  The bulk of more layers restricts mobility and can also lead to fatigue.  There is also the danger of slipping on icy surfaces and having to dig through snow banks to reach buried hydrants.