As the mercury rises and the Australian summer sun beats down with an intensity that can only be described as relentless, our thoughts often turn to beach days, barbecues, and the festive cheer of Christmas. However, amidst the seasonal festivities, there's a crucial aspect of home safety that can't be overlooked, especially as the nation braces for scorching temperatures and the heightened risk of bushfires.

Authorities have issued heatwave warnings for several states, and with this comes an urgent reminder for Aussies to take a simple yet potentially life-saving step in their front gardens. It's a task that many might not consider in their holiday preparations, but it's one that could save precious minutes in an emergency.

Fire hydrants, those unassuming fixtures nestled in residential streets, are often hidden in plain sight, camouflaged by overgrown grass, weeds, or garden debris. Yet, in the event of a fire, these hydrants become the lifeline for firefighters as they battle to control the flames and protect our homes and communities.

In preparation for the hot summer season, authorities urged homeowners to keep their fire hydrants accessible. Image Credit: Facebook/Kenthurst Rural Fire Service

The message from firefighters is clear and urgent: Keep hydrants clear and easily visible. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a plea for public cooperation that could make all the difference when seconds count. The Kenthurst Rural Fire Service in Sydney's northeast has emphasized the importance of this action, especially with the forecast of very high temperatures in the coming days, which inevitably increases the risk of bushfires.

But why is this step so crucial? Hydrants are strategically spaced out approximately 50 to 100 metres apart in residential areas. While those on the road are generally accessible, it's the ones on private property that are often neglected. Superintendent Adam Dewberry with NSW Fire and Rescue has previously highlighted the issue, noting that homeowners may not even recognize what these hydrants are, let alone the vital role they play.

In an emergency, firefighters can spend up to 20 minutes just trying to access a buried or obscured hydrant. That's 20 minutes that could be spent fighting the fire, protecting property, and saving lives. It's a sobering thought that such a simple act of garden maintenance could have such far-reaching consequences.

So, what can you do? Take a walk around your property and identify if there's a hydrant on or near your land. If you find one, ensure it's free from any obstructions. Regular checks and maintenance can prevent a frantic, last-minute scramble when emergency crews are racing against time. If you notice any issues with the hydrant, don't hesitate to report them to your local fire brigade.

This summer, as we enjoy the warmth and celebrate the season, let's not forget the simple actions we can take to keep our homes and neighborhoods safe. Clearing your front garden hydrant may seem like a small task, but its impact could be monumental. It's a hack that's not just about garden aesthetics; it's about community safety and resilience.

Key Takeaways

• Authorities are issuing heatwave warnings and urging Australians to clear hydrants in their gardens for emergency access.
• Firefighters stress the importance of keeping hydrants visible and unobstructed to allow for quick water supply access during emergencies.
• It is recommended that homeowners regularly check their hydrants, keep them free from debris, and report any issues to the local fire brigade.
• Kenthurst Rural Fire Service highlights that clear hydrants can save firefighters up to 20 minutes when responding to a fire, potentially protecting homes and lives.

We'd love to hear from you, our Seniors Discount Club members. Have you checked your hydrant lately, or do you have any other summer safety tips to share? Your insights could be invaluable to others in our community.

 

[Annna]

Where I live in Qld, the fireman/woman, clean these out which are situated on the Footpath. My husband use to be one of them before his retirement.

Do you mean clean the grass growing over the embedded hydrants?

Hasn't happened at Park Ridge Queensland (Brisbane suburb) in 3 years.

 

[Phyll]

I have a hydrant in my front verge , it is marked by a capital H on the road with an arrow pointing towards it . It is maintained by & painted by the fire department at least once a year .

 

[Annna]

I have a hydrant in my front verge , it is marked by a capital H on the road with an arrow pointing towards it . It is maintained by & painted by the fire department at least once a year .

Thanks for that.

Are you in Brisbane?

I'll get my friend to call Logan Council/Fire and Rescue to ask if there is a maintenance routine in her area.

 

[Wary1]

I have a hydrant in my front verge , it is marked by a capital H on the road with an arrow pointing towards it . It is maintained by & painted by the fire department at least once a year .

That sounds like the situation in WA where FAQs on the Water Corporation website segment for hydrants advises that:

• The hydrant is usually situated within the verge with a reflective white lid to help firefighters locate the hydrants at night.
• The street markings include a white H and triangle on the kerb, a red H on the power pole or a white pole where there is no kerb.

Rather odd is that, in the image on the website, the H is blue, the triangle white, and the hydrant cover a brownish orange. Each H and triangle shows up on Google Maps Street View, and, for those interested and digitally-minded, there is a National Map and various apps that can be used to locate fire hydrants.

 

[Wizzard]

What bull s##t is this. In Latrobe Valley (Gippsland) towns, Yallourn North & Moe & Newborough & Morwell & Erica & Walhalla, in Victoria. Hydrant checks were done once a month by the Volunteer brigades. The old town of Yallourn (Now gone) was done by the SEC regulars. Monthly checks were also done in Tom Price & Paraburdoo & Collie & Laverton in WA. I know this as I was a member of each Volunteer Brigade and associated with some of them ie Erica & Walhalla & Collie & Paraburdoo. Weekly siren tests were also done. Upon moving to Rockingham in WA in 1992 I found out that the volunteers there also did these tests & checks every month (was stopped as the permanents took over all control in Rockingham). Light poles also had white strips of tape put around them indicating as to where the hydrants were and the distance to a hydrant indicated with a red tape band.
Now my question is: HAS THIS BEEN STOPPED AND IF SO WHY ?????????????
(Idiots - no expierence - in city offices or reduction of costs)

 

[Wizzard]

I forgot to mention that there was a big White "H" painted on the road where the hydrant is.
Going by other comments which I have read, it seems that councils are being held responsible for clearing all around a hydrant. During the years of being a Volunteer Fireman (Victoria & WA) from 1960 to 1990, councils would not allocate money in their budgets as they always made it a Fire Brigade problem. This should still be up to the "trained" Brigade persons. Not to property owners!! or any office staff!!!!!!

 

[Annna]

I forgot to mention that there was a big White "H" painted on the road where the hydrant is.
Going by other comments which I have read, it seems that councils are being held responsible for clearing all around a hydrant. During the years of being a Volunteer Fireman (Victoria & WA) from 1960 to 1990, councils would not allocate money in their budgets as they always made it a Fire Brigade problem. This should still be up to the "trained" Brigade persons. Not to property owners!! or any office staff!!!!!!

Thank you for the information.

In my first post, I noted that the firemen attending near my friend's house went off at her for as they said: 'covering the (embedded) hydrant up'.

Granted, the situation was urgent with a fire burning in the property opposite.

I'll tell my friend to make calls to authorities to see who is charged with the keeping clear responsibility.

 

[Phyll]

Thanks for that.

Are you in Brisbane?

I'll get my friend to call Logan Council/Fire and Rescue to ask if there is a maintenance routine in her area.

No im in WA

 

[Wizzard]

Okay i agree that some home owners don't seem to care about making sure hydrants are clear of grass cuttings & leaves & general rubbish BUT fire brigades should still be doing regular checks on hydrants. I live in Dooragan Street, Baldivis, WA. There is a big development of land going on on the other side of the street and the damn contractors are using a hydrant to fill their water carts up and then leave the metal cover off which allows dust etc to get into the hydrant hole. I have yelled out to them a couple of times and been ignored and given the finger sign. NOW if the local brigade was doing regular checks this would be picked up and hopefully action taken to stop it. There is a fine up to $2200.00. Also there is a fine of $50.00 for obstructing access to a hydrant.
Oh i just remembered that there used to be a rectangular area, red line painted on the road. This was an area that had to be kept clear of any vehicle parking so firies would have access to a hydrant and room to run hoses etc.
All comments and so called actions so far noted still does not alter the fact that councils and governments have been reducing allocated funds for fire safety and awareness training over many years. In rural areas they have even closed down stations.
In the goldfields during the 1980's and 1990's volunteer brigades used to run information sessions for all townspeople to attend. This was done with no charge to anybody and no payment from a council.
Now at the age 0f 80 i do not see or hear be notified of any Hydrant checks or of any helpful information sessions or even a yearly letter to the public people !!!!!

 

[Wizzard]

Thank you for the information.

In my first post, I noted that the firemen attending near my friend's house went off at her for as they said: 'covering the (embedded) hydrant up'.

Granted, the situation was urgent with a fire burning in the property opposite.

I'll tell my friend to make calls to authorities to see who is charged with the keeping clear responsibility.

Yes all house owners, especially new owners should check with the local fire brigade and council to see who is responsible or if hydrants are going to be regularly checked by trained persons. No actions could even affect insurances on property.
Oh also shopping centres should be regularly checked. Rockingham Shopping Centre used to have siren/alarm checks quite often.