45°
“Blocked hydrants mean slower response to extinguishing fires,” Deputy Fire Chief Mark Amatrudo says. “It can result in catastrophic consequences if we have to spend time locating a buried hydrant and/or clear snow away from it, especially if the snow is heavily compacted from snow plowing.”
In the time firefighters would have to spend accessing a hydrant buried in snow, a fire could more than triple in size, Amatrudo says. That’s why residents and business owners who have fire hydrants near their property are asked to lend a helping hand in clearing them.
Amatrudo says a path should be cleared from the hydrant to the road. Snow should also be removed from all sides so the hydrant is visible from the road and easily accessible.
“It will only take a few extra minutes and is a quick and easy way to help you and your neighbors,” he says. “Digging out a fire hydrant could make a critical difference in the event of an emergency. It could save a life.”
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wilton and receive free news updates.
