Snow-Covered Hydrants Put South Windsor Fire Response At Risk, Officials Say

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — With snow still piled up across town, the South Windsor Fire Department is asking residents to clear fire hydrants themselves, warning that blocked hydrants can cost firefighters critical time during an emergency.

South Windsor fire officials said they are receiving numerous calls and emails from residents asking for help clearing snow from around fire hydrants following the recent storm. The department said it is unable to provide that service.

Officials explained that as a volunteer fire department, they do not have the staffing or resources to clear hydrants across town. Residents who are unable to clear a hydrant themselves are encouraged to ask neighbors, friends, or contractors for help.

Fire officials warned that if a hydrant is buried during a fire, firefighters will have to dig it out after arriving on scene. They said that extra work can waste extremely valuable time when every minute matters.

The department emphasized that fires grow faster today than ever before, making quick access to hydrants critical. Officials urged the community to work together to keep hydrants clear so firefighters can focus immediately on putting water on a fire when an emergency happens.