Another Fire Slowed By Unshoveled Hydrant, Officials Say

WINDSOR, CT — A tractor-trailer fire on Groton Road this week is renewing warnings from Windsor fire officials after snow-buried hydrants delayed crews for the second time in less than a week.

According to the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, firefighters responded Wednesday to a tractor-trailer fire on Groton Road, just before the entrance to Target’s food distribution center at 500 Groton Road. When crews arrived, the nearest fire hydrant was buried in snow, forcing firefighters to stop and dig it out before water could be supplied to the engines.

Fire officials said the delay occurred during an active fire response, when seconds matter most.

The Groton Road incident marked the second fire in a week where unshoveled hydrants slowed firefighters in Windsor.

Last Friday, crews responding to a structure fire on Sage Park Road encountered the same problem. The Windsor Fire Marshal's Office said hydrants near that scene were also buried, delaying firefighters’ ability to establish a water supply.

Fire officials are urging residents, business owners, and property managers to keep fire hydrants cleared at least three feet in all directions so crews can connect quickly in an emergency. They also encouraged residents to alert neighbors or businesses if they notice a hydrant buried in snow.

While stressing the seriousness of the issue, fire officials said they have seen more residents clearing hydrants following recent storms and thanked the community for helping reduce dangerous delays during emergencies.