Winter’s snow has built up many banks across communities in the Keweenaw Peninsula. In many towns and neighborhoods, snow has covered important fire hydrants, raising safety concerns. Hancock City Fire Chief Bill Lepisto said, “If a hydrant is covered by snow and ice, it can take crews several minutes to access water sources.”
Technically, the hydrant is on city right of way, Lepisto explained. “So, I mean, if the hydrant is in a person’s yard and the neighbor wants to open it up, by all means let them open it up. I mean, yeah, you might be thinking they’re coming on your property, but if they’re willing to keep the hydrant open, it’s not only protecting their house, it’s also protecting the nearby houses. If they can get, you know, the snow removed around the hydrant 360 degrees—which would be all the way around the hydrant—and a two to two-and-a-half-foot circle would be perfect.”
While not all homes in the region have a fire hydrant nearby, Lepisto said homeowners away from more populated areas can prepare their property for emergencies. He emphasized the importance of ensuring emergency vehicles can access long driveways on less often plowed roads.
Groups or organizations interested in helping to clear around hydrants should contact their local fire department to learn about opportunities.
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