Firefighters need help digging out buried hydrants

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - With all the snow on the streets and sidewalks, area fire departments need help to gain access to fire hydrants.

Northampton Assistant Fire Chief Duane Nichols told 22News that they have been out since Sunday finding and digging out hundreds of fire hydrants across the city.
 
Chief Nichols says that Northampton’s water department has also been assisting in the clearing effort, which can save lives during a fire. 

Nichols added that the water department flags hydrants in Northampton; making them easier to find in the deep snow. Even with the help, however, he encourages city residents to assist them and dig hydrants out.

Carlos Ramos of Chicopee told 22News that with the snow continuing to be a problem, he’s certainly willing to lend a hand.

“If I see a fire hydrant, I'll do it, because it's the right way to do it,” Carlos Ramos of Chicopee said.

The Boston Fire Department recently called on its recruits to help dig out the nearly 13,000 hydrants in the city.