DeWitt (WSYR-TV) -- All the snow has created more work for local fire departments because fire hydrants have been buried. Fire crews have been working hard to dig them out, but it’s a big job so they’re asking for your help.
On a daily basis, crews have been digging out fire hydrants, one neighborhood at a time. They say they've gotten to about half of them.
“The snow comes, it melts, then ice forms around it, which is more difficult to clear than just snow,” said DeWitt Fire Chief Jason Green. “We generally hit the main areas first, the residential areas and then hit the side streets from there.”
When responding to a call, every second counts and quick access to water is critical. That’s why local fire department are calling on you for help.
“It’s a civic duty to keep your hydrants clear and it could benefit you and your neighbors if something happens in your neighborhood, time is of the essence,” explained Chief Green.
Another issue fire crews are running into is plows blocking hydrants by pushing snow and creating big banks. Fire crews say they have a map, so they know where the hydrants are, even if they’re covered with snow, but the challenge is getting to them when needed.
The Syracuse Fire Department has been working to clear hydrants since Thursday. There are almost 7,000 of them in the city. Fire Chief Charles Duffy says they’ve worked day and night to clear the city’s hydrants and finally finished Tuesday.
