Announcement

Help keep fire hydrants clear

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

The following is a message from the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department:

The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) would like to remind residents about the importance of clear and unobstructed access to fire hydrants.

In the event of a house fire, OPVFD’s fire engines carry between 750 and 1,000 gallons of water, which means only 7-10 minutes of water is readily available once firefighters arrive on scene. The Ocean Pines community’s 300+ hydrants supplement the engines’ water supply to ensure firefighters have all the water they need within a few minutes of arriving to an incident.

Fire Chief Steve Grunewald said, “Emergencies can and often do happen when we least expect them. Our crews need to be able to spot hydrants easily from any roadway, night or day, and during inclement weather.”

Three feet of unobstructed access is needed to allow firefighters the space to connect the 3-inch and 5-inch supply hoses that connect to the pumps.

Obstructions can include shrubbery, hardscaping, excessive mulch or dirt, piles of yard debris, lawn ornaments, trashcans, vehicles, etc.

Help OPVFD help you:

If you have an obstructed hydrant on your property and are able, please work to clear all obstructions as soon as possible. If you are unable to clear a hydrant on your property and/or you spot an obstructed hydrant, please notify the OPVFD immediately and provide the closest address to the hydrant. You can either call the south station at 410-641-8272 or email OPVFD Community Outreach Specialist Joe Enste at [email protected].

Please remember it is unlawful to enter someone else’s property in an attempt to clear obstructions. Please share the address with the OPVFD, who will work with the Worcester County water and wastewater department to resolve the issue.

Announcement

Help keep fire hydrants clear

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