While the City of Barrie has urged residents who are physically able to clear snow and ice from fire hydrants in the wake of recent storms and squalls, Fire Chief Kevin White does want to reassure the public they are well-equipped to deal with any fire situation.
Barrie has over 4,000 hydrants, according to the City's website.
"Although there are no rules concerning who should clear hydrants, it's generally considered the responsibility of the residents occupying the property near a hydrant," the City states.
White says his crews are prepared to clear snow-covered hydrants when they get to a residence, but he emphasizes that all of their trucks carry water.
"It does not delay our firefighting techniques," said White, when asked if a hydrant buried in snow could impact the response to battling a blaze. "However, anyone that is willing to clear a hydrant near their house is much appreciated."
White says each truck carries anywhere from 700 to 1,000 gallons of water.
"We have enough water that we would be able to fight a fire without a hydrant in most cases, but we would always be able to establish a water supply or a water shuttle, which is multiple tankers in order to be able to get water to the scene."
Anyone not physically able to remove snow from around a hydrant or near their property can contact Water Operations (705-792-7920) or http://WaterOperations@barrie.ca.
The City says snow removal from public hydrants is performed proactively and upon request by a contractor that primarily works throughout the evening and/or early morning hours.
