Chatham Emergency Services Update

Where is That Darn Fire Hydrant?

Spring is the time of year when Landings homeowners, or their yard care contractors, spruce up their yard by clearing out dead branches and leaves and by trimming bushes and other vegetation. While this spring yard cleanup is underway, it is the perfect time to locate the fire hydrant on your property, or common space adjacent to your property, and clear the vegetation away from it.   

I can understand that some residents might feel that fire hydrants aren’t aesthetically pleasing. They do resemble a Minion in a shiny green sort of way. But from a firefighting perspective, they are beautiful, and immediate access to them is vital. When we arrive on scene at a structure fire, one of the first things we do is locate the nearest fire hydrant and establish a water supply to the engine we will use to attack the fire. The sooner that water supply can be established, the sooner we can attack and extinguish the fire.

When heavy vegetation prohibits a clear view of a fire hydrant from the street, the process of establishing our water supply is severely impacted, especially at night. I speak from experience when I say it is extremely frustrating to be tromping around in the bushes, in the dark, looking for a fire hydrant, while there is a house on fire nearby. It is equally frustrating to be trying to get a supply hose attached to a hydrant while you are being attacked by a “decorative” palmetto plant.

I ask everyone to be kind to your local firefighters, and protect your home and the homes of your friends and neighbors, by clearing a three-foot perimeter around all fire hydrants.

In closing, thanks to our own Deputy Chief (Past Division Chief) Carey Rupert. Carey has been an anchor who has helped guide and stabilize the entire division since she joined in 2012. She was integral in getting me ready to step in as Division Chief. This month, she gave her well-deserved retirement notice, and we will miss her daily presence greatly, but know she is just a phone call away. Thank you for all you have done for us and for the Skidaway Community.