Detainees had all come from warmer climates and were ill prepared for the heavy snows, unceasing winds, and temperatures frequently dipping to -20 degrees. Coal, when finally, available was dumped on the streets then hand gathered by the internees. Most had never used a coal-burning stove before. Stories survive which tell of detainees throwing a match on the coal in their stove, then jumping back, thinking it would ignite into a big flame. Fire in the wood barracks was a constant danger and unfortunately somewhat common. The detainees also failed to have adequate clothes for the Wyoming winters. The War Relocation Authority had to issue Army-Navy P-Coats to the detainees which never adequately fit, especially the women. The WRA also had to provide a clothing allowance for the detainees, which was often used to purchase slacks, boots, and heavy hoods and caps from the Sears catalog. Perhaps the most humiliating part of the “camp” life was the common bathrooms. The lack of privacy was felt by both men and women. Children coming of age remember this part of camp life vividly. It is worthy of note how industrious the detainees were in making their bleak barrack into “comfortable” living quarters. Through hard work and ingenuity, furniture was hand built, curtains were sown, and the empty rooms were made into homes.