Hidden hydrants a danger to homes

Photo: MATT BOWEN

GRASSROOTS PROBLEM: Howick fire station officer Rowan Hegley digging out a fire hydrant at Bucklands Beach, which was completely hidden under kikuyu grass.

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Fire hydrants covered in grass and weeds are becoming a problem for Howick firefighters.

Station officer Rowan Hegley says it’s particularly bad in the Bucklands Beach area.

Firefighters check and test fire hydrants periodically during the year, making sure each hydrant is checked at least every four years.

Mr Hegley says at least a third of them need to be dug out so they can be seen and easily accessed in an emergency.

"We would just like to remind those people who have hydrants outside their properties that even though technically it is not their problem, it could be in their favour if they make sure it can be found easily.

"If we turn up to their house on fire in the middle of the night, and can’t get to their nearest water hydrant, it wouldn’t be good," he says.

- © Fairfax NZ News