‘Adopt’ a fire hydrant

A local fire brigade has called on the community to keep fire hydrants out the front of their properties clean and clearly visible, to ensure firefighters can quickly access them when needed.

‘Adopting’ a fire hydrant might sound silly, but Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade members have been out and about this winter checking and repairing fire hydrants around town.

Some, including one near the Lerderderg Library, needed to have grass covers removed, and be thoroughly cleaned before they were usable – something CFA don’t want to have to do in an emergency, when every minute counts.

“What would happen if we attended at 3am in the morning? It took ten minutes to locate, remove the grass cover, clean the cobwebs and spiders to be able to sink a hydrant to produce water. Help us help you,” the Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade wrote on social media.

“If you have a fire hydrant on or out the front of your property, help your neighbours (and your CFA) by keeping a well maintained, visible and easily accessible fire hydrant. If you can’t find it, we can’t find it.”

General Manager of Operations and Delivery Solutions at Greater Western Water, Jodie Hallam, said while water authorities and councils were responsible for maintaining street hydrants, those who live near hydrants can also play a part in helping firefighters.

“The ‘Adopt a Hydrant’ initiative encourages the community to help us maintain street hydrants and ensure they are kept clear, visible and accessible through simple tasks like keeping vehicles clear of the hydrant, clearing shrubs around the hydrant and reporting damages,” Ms Hallam told the Moorabool News.

“Together we can help ensure firefighters can quickly access hydrants in an emergency.”

Greater Western Water encourages the community to report any fire hydrants with vandalism, missing covers, missing marker posts, or faded paint by calling 13 44 99 so repairs can be organised.

For more information about CFA Home Fire Safety, visit cfa.vic.gov.au.