With the recent and continued record February snowfall, Merrill Firefighters are very concerned in regard to fire hydrants within the City of Merrill. Due to heavy snowfall recently, many fire hydrants that most people take for granted are now buried under a couple feet of the white stuff that we have all been coping with. On top of that, weather forecasters continue to call for more snow in the upcoming days and week ahead.
Merrill fire personnel rely on the hydrants to supply water when battling structure fires within the city, and even as a water source to fill up tanker trucks to transport large amounts of water to rural areas, that are not served by a hydrant system. The problem now is with many hydrants being buried, firefighters have a difficult time locating some hydrants and if they do, must spend valuable time shoveling out the hydrant before being able to utilize the water source. This is a waste of valuable time that could be the difference in saving a structure, and even lives.
Local firefighters have used an “Adopt a Hydrant” program, where individuals who live near a hydrant maintain the access to the hydrant year round should it be needed. However, not all hydrants have been adopted and numerous are buried at this time. So the Merrill Fire Department is enlisting all able bodies to lend a hand to dig out those buried fire hydrants. Utilizing a wise man’s famous word of “many hands make light work” they have set aside Saturday, March 2. and Sunday, March 3. to shovel as many hydrants throughout the city as possible. They ask that volunteers show up at the Merrill Fire Station (110 Pier Street) either one or both of the days. On Saturday, volunteers are asked to meet at the fire department by 10 a.m. and Sunday by noon.
Fire department personnel will have all those buried hydrants located and will take crews to the areas, which need the most attention. They ask that volunteers bring their own shovel(s). The firefighters plan to dig out hydrants for about two hours each day, but volunteers may leave earlier if need be.
Those that are physically unable to attend can help by calling the non-emergent number at (715-536-2233) and giving firefighters a heads up of a hydrant(s) in need of some attention. When calling; names of streets and intersections, and the direction (north, south, east or west) of the hydrant’s location, would be very helpful. For those individuals that prefer not to meet up at the fire station, yet are able and can get to a nearby hydrant, your help would be much appreciated as well.
“It is our hope that we can get as many heroes as possible this weekend,” states Fire Chief Josh Klug. “Knowing the Merrill community well, I’d be surprised if we don’t have several organizations, some scout troops and several sports teams to rally and help along with many individuals looking to lend a hand to their friends and neighbors!”
Volunteers are asked to park in the lot to the South and West side of the Fire Station and enter door #3 on the south side of the building. Where you will be briefed and taken to an area with hydrants in need of rescue.
Those with questions or in need of additional information may contact Merrill Fire Chief Josh Klug at (715) 536-2233 or [email protected].