Washington Township
Fire Department
1149 Route 130, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
(609) 259-7814 Fax: (609) 259-3869
PRESS RELEASE
Sunday, December 31, 2000
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP NJ (MERCER)—A winter storm blanketed the area Saturday with over
a foot of snow covering fire hydrants that would supply needed water during fire
emergencies. Buried fire hydrants could hamper firefighting efforts because
hydrants take longer to be located and the need to clean a path to hook up hose
and equipment to the hydrant if needed for firefighting. Firefighters from the
Washington Township Fire Department have been spending the last two days
shoveling snow around buried fire hydrants in several developments and along
roadways.
Symons also said that, “A few hydrants were buried so deep it took as
long as ten minutes to find and another 5 minutes to dig them out of the plowed
snow.”
“During a fire time is important and in cold weather firefighters have
a hard enough time braving the elements without spending up to 15 minutes
looking for and uncovering a buried fire hydrant.” Symons Said.
Residents are reminded not to bury fire hydrants while shoveling or
plowing snow because it could cause delays in an emergency. When possible
residents should shovel around fire hydrants to make sure there is plenty of
access for hoses and equipment. To report a buried fire hydrant please contact
the fire department at: (609) 259-7814.
Click and save below:
Photo caption: Firefighter Steven Kaidr uncovers a buried fire hydrant buried from plowed snow.
Photo caption: Firefighter Steven Kadir shovels out a buried fire hydrant.
Photo caption: Firefighter Steven Kadir (left) and Jason Palmer (right) uncover a buried fire hydrant.
