Firefighters urge residents to dig out snow‑covered hydrants
Despite the warning, some hydrants across Long Island remain buried, including one in Bethpage that News 12 saw Tuesday.
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Firefighters racing to the scene of a raging house fire in North New Hyde Park on Friday say they found the nearest hydrant buried in snow.
“Had that hydrant not been buried and not been encased in ice and snow, it would have been a lot easier for the firefighters to get that hydrant,” said Michael Uttaro, Nassau County’s chief fire marshal.
Uttaro is urging residents to clear hydrants near their homes.
“In addition to the water districts, villages, towns and cities that are helping dig these hydrants out, if you have a hydrant on your property, grab a shovel — especially today, it’s a little warmer — and start digging those out,” he said.
Despite the warning, some hydrants across Long Island remain buried, including one in Bethpage that News 12 saw Tuesday. Jay and Michele Brass, who live nearby, say neighbors should pitch in.
“It might not be their house that burns down — it might be mine next door, right?” Jay said.
If you cannot dig out a hydrant yourself, Uttaro says to contact your local water department or DPW.
At Friday night’s fire in North New Hyde Park, firefighters were also able to use water from their trucks to battle the flames. No one was hurt.
