Lake Valley Fire seeks public's help to clear out over 1,000 hydrants

With over 1,000 fire hydrants within the borders of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District, they have unveiled the "Adopt a Hydrant" program.

It is impossible for fire crews to shovel and maintain all of them in a timely manner and since the California Fire Code requires fire hydrants to be free of obstructions and immediately identifiable, LVFPD is asking for the public's help.

They strive to ensure all hydrants are clear, marked, and accessible in the event of a fire. Winter time makes this job very hard and during heavy snow the district is forced to clear key hydrants first. Some hydrants unfortunately may remain buried all winter.

The Fire District is asking community members to adopt the hydrant closest to their home or business and keep it clear of snow and debris so that together we can help to make our community safer. In the event of a small fire that is reported in a timely manner, the water carried by fire engines is usually sufficient. If a fire is too large for the water carried on an engine, a water source that is easily found can make a difference in keeping the fire from
spreading to a neighboring property. Combining safe practices like installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, maintaining defensible space, and keeping your closest hydrant clear can prevent unnecessary property damage.

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District appreciates the members of our community that already maintain hydrants in their neighborhood and encourages everyone to participate.

If you notice a fire hydrant that is not marked with a snow stake please contact the Lake Valley Fire Protection District Prevention Bureau at (530) 577-3737.
When maintaining a hydrant, a three foot clear space should be maintained around the hydrant and to the roads edge. The photo in this story is an example of hydrants being cleared by helpful citizens of our community.