It is estimated that there is 30 inches of snow on the ground in the South Lake Minnetonka Area.
It is important that you, your neighbors, and your business community take care of your fire hydrant. The firefighters want to remind the citizens and business owners in the Excelsior Fire District that in the event of a fire every second counts and every moment is precious. The firefighter’s time should be dedicated to fighting the fire instead of searching for a fire hydrant and shoveling it out. Everyone in a residential or business neighborhood should help keep their fire hydrant clear. It’s not only the responsibility of people who have a hydrant in their yard or in front of their business, it takes everyone’s efforts to keep the firefighter’s water source for their area accessible.
It is simple to adopt a hydrant. During the winter months the falling snow and the snowplows can bury fire hydrants. When you shovel out your driveway or sidewalk take an extra minute to shovel out your fire hydrant. A 3-foot clear space should be maintained around the circumference of a fire hydrant. This is the amount of space the firefighters need to operate a fire hydrant while fighting a structure fire. Snow is not always the only obstruction firefighters encounter when trying to find or gain access to a hydrant. Be aware of what is around your hydrant. Keep your hydrant visible, do not place holiday displays, garbage cans, or your discarded Christmas Trees around the hydrant.
The Excelsior Fire District firefighters need at least a 3 foot working space around a hydrant to operate efficiently and quickly.
Statute 508.5.5 Clear space around hydrants. A 3-foot (914mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of a fire hydrant. FREE of SNOW!
