Sault Fire Services, PUC on the hunt for 'hydrant heroes'

The Hydrant Heroes Campaign, organized by Sault Fire Services and the PUC, has officially kicked off.

The annual campaign, which encourages residents to clear the snow around city fire hydrants, began on Monday.

Full details on how to participate can be found in the following press release:

In northern Ontario there is one thing everyone can count on, snow. So far this year, Sault Ste. Marie has received more than its fair share of snow and that means very specialized heroes are needed in town.

Sault Ste. Marie has over 2,500 fire hydrants across the city. Just like a car parked in front of a hydrant, snow can block a firefighter’s access and cause delays in an emergency.

This is where we need your help! The Sault Fire Services and PUC Services (PUC) are looking for local Hydrant Heroes who can help keep snow clear 1.5 metres around their neighbourhood fire hydrant.

While PUC regularly removes snow from around hydrants, these heroes are very important in helping to monitor snow levels and shoveling snow away to prevent a buildup.

To show how you are a Hydrant Hero, take a picture of the hydrant in your neighbourhood and show everyone how you kept it clear of snow. Then, send the photo to Sault Fire or PUC Services on social media.

Children and youth who participate have a chance to win a weekly Hydrant Hero gift pack as well as have their names entered into the grand prize draw, as a thank you for their support.

“In an emergency, snow-covered fire hydrants can cause firefighters to lose up to four minutes of precious time,” said Sault Fire public education officer Aaron Gravelle. “These are valuable minutes that are needed by firefighters to get the fire under control.”

“Safety is always PUC’s top priority”, said Robert Brewer, president and CEO, PUC Services Inc. “By becoming a Hydrant Hero, youth in our community are helping our crews make sure all of our neighbours stay safe if there is an emergency situation.”

Help our firefighters keep our community safe. The Hydrant Hero campaign kicks off on Jan. 9, 2023. To learn more about becoming a Hydrant Hero, visit Sault Fire Services or PUC Services on social media or our websites here and here

There are many ways to support this initiative. Sault Fire Services and PUC Services ask that community members take all safety precautions while participating and only participate if able, along with having proper adult supervision.