This 3-Minute Delay Could Cost Homes, Fire Officials Warn

ENFIELD, CT — Fire officials are reminding residents to clear snow and ice from fire hydrants, saying blocked hydrants can slow firefighters when seconds matter.

The Hazardville Fire District said it recently showed how long it takes to dig out a snow-covered hydrant. Three firefighters needed nearly three minutes just to fully clear one hydrant so it could be used.

Officials stressed this was not a real emergency, but an example of how buried hydrants could delay crews during a house fire, when that time should be spent getting water on the flames.

Residents are asked to clear hydrants on or near their property. Contractors and commercial property owners are also urged to keep hydrants accessible.

Fire officials said clearing a hydrant is a simple step that can help save time — and potentially homes — during an emergency.