Keeping access to hydrants open

As the summer has gotten significantly warmer and the amount of dry grass in the area increases, so does the chance for fires. When the Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department responds on a scene, they often need access to a hydrant, but that can be impeded due to tall grass, signs or vehicles.

Fire Chief Mark Collins explained if grass and weeds get tall enough, it can be difficult to see the hydrant. It’s also important to remember that hydrants are not posts on which to put up signs, as these can also diminish hydrant visibility and access when time is crucial.

Collins noted the town crews do a good job in keeping the weeds down around the hydrants.

When it comes to vehicles, the Thermopolis Town Code states a vehicle shall not be parked within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. The police department is authorized to remove or tow away any vehicle which blocks the use of a fire hydrant, or have such vehicles removed or towed by a commercial towing service.

In such cases, the owner of the vehicle is responsible for all towing costs and storage fees. It is unlawful for any person to retrieve a towed vehicle without payment or payment arrangement to the towing service.

Collins said he’s never had an issue with needing a vehicle removed from in front of a hydrant, and noted with 95 percent of the hydrants in town the curbs around them are painted red so people know not to park in front of them.

As to other impediments, Collins said people also need to be aware of hydrants in the winter and not cover them while shoveling snow from their walks and driveways.

Collins also noted the law enforcement — both police and the sheriff’s office — do a good job in routing traffic around an area where a fire has been reported, and the ambulance service also pitches in when officers are unavailable.