While a snow covered landscape can appear as a peaceful picture, the same snow cover is a greatly feared threat to firefighters. In reviewing the recent storm activities, Newtown Square Deputy Fire Chief Mike Kenny stressed, “Fortunately we did not to have any large scale fire hydrant uses.  If we had, the great number of snow-buried hydrants would have been dangerous.”

 

The amount of the two, recent back-to-back snowfalls quickly buried all but a few of the life- and property-saving area fire hydrants.  The amount of snow has unfortunately continued to bury many of these valuable sources of water.  What nature did not cover, the snow plowing required to make streets and roads passable often finished the unwanted disappearance of area fire fighting hydrants.

 

The Newtown Square Fire Company has extended its gratitude to the appreciated, all-but-too-few residents who invested their time and energies to answer the seasonal call to unbury their nearby fire hydrant.   In doing this caring activity, they have help reduce any delays in firefighting.  It is no secret to firefighters that all fires double in size in very short periods of time.  Equally recognized by the Newtown Square firefighters is their desire to begin extinguishing a fire as quickly as possible.

 

As one seasoned firefighting veteran stressed, “The time taken to locate a buried hydrant, remove the snow, and then make the necessary supply hose connection can make the difference between life and death.”

 

The on-board water in fire apparatus is always a welcomed, initial supply of water in firefighting, but the addition of water from a fire hydrant is also necessary. In describing the need for a dependable water source, Chief Doug Simpson added,” we hope that everyone will look for and begin to pay more attention to their nearby fire hydrant.  Having this water available is an essential part of saving lives and property. Please don’t wait for a neighbor; you become the neighborhood hero.”