The North Bay Fire Department says it’s not your responsibility to clear the snow around residential fire hydrants, but they admit they appreciate those who do.
“When it comes to maintaining fire department access, that is actually the responsibility of the public works department,” noted Greg Saunders, the North Bay Deputy Fire Chief.
“Obviously they have got their hands full with a winter like this where they get so much snow to remove.”
While residents are not expected to do the maintenance work, Saunders does note that if you are moving snow on top of a fire hydrant you could be in trouble.
“Basically what the law says is we can charge somebody if they take the snow off their driveway and they blow it or throw it on top of the hydrant, I guess is the best way to describe it,” stated Saunders.
“You cannot add to the accumulation but what we would ask is that, if you do have a hydrant on your property if you could help us out and try and keep it clear. Obviously, in the event of an emergency, it is going to expedite our fire suppression operations.”
Saunders says the heavy snow surrounding fire hydrants has not been an issue yet this winter, but he admits with the way this winter is going, it very well could.