SLIDESHOW: Boston Fire Department's Long, Hot Summer

BOSTON, MA – It's no secret this summer has been brutal in Boston; a heat wave nearly busted the thermometer and the paradox of humidity and dry conditions have forced residents into the catch-22 of trying to stay cool while saving water.

To say it's been hot in Boston would be an understatement.

• How the Heat Wave and a Loose Cigarette Impacted Firefighters - and a Family Left Putting Its Life Back Together

But for Boston's firefighters, the heat strains an already difficult job - in temperatures closing in on triple digits, they cover their body in a flame retardant suit, don gear ranging anywhere from 45 to 75 pounds, and charge into a burning building, where temperatures can sometimes exceed 1,000 degrees, according to the National Institute of Fire and Safety Training.

Through it all, they've managed to combat some of the city's toughest fires this summer. Here's a look at Boston's Bravest fighting blazes around the city.

By: Alex Newman, Patch Staff

Note: All photos are from the Boston Fire Department's Twitter feed, used with permission from the Boston Fire Department.