A large amount of snow accumulated to end 2017. While we've seen a break from the snow and cold this week, the Airdrie Fire Department hopes you'll help when the snow inevitably returns by keeping fire hydrants clear.

Deputy Fire Chief Garth Rabel explained that when residents clear snow away from hydrants near their property, it helps save valuable time when responding to a call.

"It is time that we're not going to get back. We do carry shovels and such on our trucks and we will make our way to a hydrant and make it available to ourselves for use, but at the same time if the public can help us with that, that just would expedite our ability to get water and get directly fighting the fire."

While fire crews know where hydrants are generally located in different areas of the city, Rabel said clearing snow helps firefighters quickly find a water source in the course of fighting a fire.

"Being able to identify where the hydrants are when we need them quickly in the event of a fire is very important for us, so if you are shoveling around your sidewalks, ensure that if there is a hydrant in proximity or adjacent to your property, don't be shoveling snow up around it but do keep it clear for the fire service in the event that we need it."

Rabel also said the amount of snow we've recently had, paired with this week's warm weather, can lead to another problem.

"With this melting and freezing and melting and freezing, it could make it more difficult to get the hydrant port caps off, the caps that are put in place to protect the ports that we attach our hoses to. It's important that we keep them clear, keep them clean and keep them readily available."

Rabel said keeping hydrants clear and visible is all residents need to do, and it is greatly appreciated by the fire department.

 

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