Keep Your Fire Hydrant Clear of Obstructions

A town ordinance in Simsbury requires that fire hydrants be kept clear of any obstructions that would impede the use or maintenance of a hydrant. The ordinance requires a three foot (3’) radius be cleared and an access strip five feet (5’) wide from the hydrant to the street.

We normally think of keeping it clear of snow and ice, but summer obstructions can be as bad. Hydrants need to be free of vegetation and ground cover, and not blocked by fences and mailboxes. The owner, agent of the owner or occupant of a property is responsible for clearing these obstructions.

One fire hydrant serves many homes, so the hydrant that would provide water to your property in case of an emergency may be down the street. Residents are encouraged to help clear the hydrant nearest to them so the responsibility doesn’t fall just on the property where the hydrant sits.

In case of an emergency, every minute saved by having the hydrant already cleared is important. Firefighters are stressing that "a few minutes now can save lives and property later."

The ordinance requires the removal of “any item including but not limited to snow, vegetation, ground cover, fences, mailboxes or such that would impede any use or maintenance by Simsbury Fire District personnel.” The ordinance may be foundat http://www.simsbury-ct.gov/sites/simsburyct/files/file/file/chapter_90_fire_hydrants_ordinance-proposed.pdf.