HOMES in Margaret River are being put in danger by residents covering emergency fire hydrants, according to authorities.
The Margaret River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service is currently conducting checks on suburban fire hydrants, and Captain Jeff Bushby said they have come across a number of hydrants that would be potentially inaccessible in an emergency.
Pointers to the hydrants are marked on streets with a white painted ‘H’ and an arrow approximately every 100 metres along suburban roads, with the hydrants themselves generally in the front lawns or gardens of homes.
But Captain Bushby has said while conducting their routine checks they have come across a number either with cars parked on top of them, or buried under garden beds.
“It totally impedes the [Fire and Rescue] Service’s ability to fight a residential fire if the hydrant is obstructed,” Captain Bushby said.
“The service will potentially have to go to the nearest hydrant, 100 metres away, if a hydrant isn’t accessible, which of course brings with a delay to fighting the fire.
Captain Bushby said it was very much a matter of life and death, or could at least be the difference between saving a home or not.
He also made it clear the Service would not be opposed to forcefully moving any cars parked over hydrants in emergency situations
Captain Bushby said they had recently come across a hydrant that had been paved over with a driveway which now had to be dug up at the owner’s expense.
“Keep hydrants clear of debris, rubbish and obstacles by at least one metre in each direction.
“If you are aware of any obscured, missing or damaged hydrants contact the station and leave a message with your name, contact details and the nature of the fault.”
Residents can contact the Margaret River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service on 97572738, though that number is unmanned and should not be used in an emergency.
Fines apply for residents who repeatedly leave hydrants obstructed or inaccessible.
