Fire hydrant access pleas

By Kath Gannaway
A RECENT house fire in Pine Avenue at Badger Creek highlighted the need for people to ensure clear and easy access to hydrants and to buildings.
Nic Rodway, Badger Creek CFA captain, said two fire trucks were damaged by branches overhanging the driveway and the nearest fire hydrants were covered with gravel.
He said while the outcome was not affected, in different circumstances, it could have been.
Capt. Rodway said it took just six minutes for the first water tanker to arrive at the house but the fire had been burning for some time before the brigade was called and the house was totally destroyed.
“In this case we could have had a hydrant right next to the house and it wouldn’t have made one bit of difference,” he said.
The hydrants, located on Pine Avenue had been covered over when the road was graded by a Shire of Yarra Ranges contractor earlier in the week. “Part of their contract is that if they cover a hydrant, they have to uncover them,” Capt. Rodway said. “In this case the contractor had not done that.
“That hydrant has now been raised and had bitumen placed around it.
“The shire was very quick to fix the problem and has assured us that their contractors are fully aware of their responsibilities regarding hydrants,” he said.
The Badger Creek Brigade checks hydrants twice a year but Capt. Rodway said it is not a brigade responsibility and residents need to be proactive in ensuring hydrants around their properties are clear and easily located.
He said overhanging tree branches which could stop a fire truck from getting to a fire should also be cleared.
Anyone who finds a problem with a hydrant or access for fire vehicles should contact their local CFA brigade, or the Shire of Yarra Ranges.