Aussies have been warned against making a dangerous front yard mistake this summer. In the event of an emergency, it could potentially save someone’s home, or life.
The stern plea was issued by firefighters in New South Wales this week after a crew made a concerning discovery in a homeowner’s garden. Around the country, hydrants are installed throughout residential streets, and often, people have no idea they have one in their own yard.
That appears to be the case regarding a recent incident, during which firefighters were forced to hunt for their nearest water supply.
After removing a thick pile of leaf litter, the crew was finally unable to unearth the hydrant.
To their dismay, the firies realised it had also been covered with a weed mat, presumably by a keen gardener.
“It might be Christmas time, but this is one present no firefighter wants to find wrapped up,” Fire and Rescue NSW wrote online, urging Aussies to report any hydrant that needs maintenance or clearer markings to their local fire station, council or water authority.
“A covered hydrant slows crews down when every second counts, and that delay can make all the difference in an emergency.
“…also if you’re gardening, please don’t cover them with weed mats.”
In the event of an emergency, a covered fire hydrant costs valuable time. Source: Fire and Rescue NSW
Debris and weeds can block easy access to a hydrant, making it much more difficult to source the water when a fire strikes.
The warning comes as firefighters face heightened fire risks due to heatwave and stormy conditions sweeping parts of the nation. An out of control bushfire currently burning in Western Australia has forced locals to “act immediately to survive”.
Aussies unaware of just how important fire hydrants are
Superintendent Adam Dewberry with NSW Fire and Rescue previously told Yahoo News Australia fire hydrants are regularly covered by grass and weeds, or are full of dirt because they’re not properly maintained.
In residential areas, hydrants are positioned approximately 50 to 100 metres apart depending on the lay of the land and provision of other services such as phone lines, power and gas.
The ones on the road aren’t a problem, Dewberry said, “but when they’re in front of homes people don’t know what they are and they’re usually left unattended”.
“People just don’t understand how important they are,” he added.
Hydrants are regularly hidden by grass and trees. Residents are being reminded to keep them clear. Source: NSW Fire and Rescue
Typically, there are markers on telegraph poles or fences indicating where hydrants are located.
Firefighters also have access to “data terminals”, which helps locate them.
“But when it’s in the middle of the night and your firefighters are running out of water, you don’t have time to look for the hydrant if you don’t know where it is,” Dewberry explained.
“Even in the clear light of day, it can sometimes take up to 20 minutes to find the hydrant, meanwhile, the fire’s still burning.”
To learn more about how to properly maintain a hydrant, or report necessary maintenance, click here.
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