CFD asks for public’s help digging out hydrants

The Canton Fire Department is asking for the public’s help in digging out the more than 1,000 fire hydrants scattered across town. Fire and DPW crews will be out this week trying to clear as many as possible.

Canton’s Ryan Kelleher does his part to dig out a fire hydrant.

One Canton resident sent a letter to the Fire Department informing them that since 1978, John Overton Sr. has shoveled or used his snow blower to keep the fire hydrant cleared for the cul de sac on Williams Street — a service he has provided for 35 winters.

The letter noted that Overton is now in his 70s and continues to “adopt our fire hydrant and keep it accessible to emergency personnel.”

Shoveled-out hydrant limits fire damage on Springdale Terrace

A shoveled-out fire hydrant helped save further damage to a home on Springdale Terrace after a fire broke out in the residence earlier this week.

Firefighters were called to the home around noon on Tuesday, February 17. Upon arrival, Engine 6 and Incident Commander Deputy Chief Scott Johnson found a working fire in the basement laundry room. The occupant was able to evacuate unharmed.

Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire and confine it to the basement. The home has water and fire damage in the basement and smoke damage in the upper floor. Fire Chief Charlie Doody said the house is uninhabitable until the homeowner can have a plumber and electrician in to fix the utilities. Building Commissioner Ed Walsh came to the scene and advised the homeowner on the proper steps to take.

Doody said the positive news is that neighbors had shoveled out the hydrant at the corner of Glendale Way and Fencourt Road, which was instrumental in allowing firefighters to attack the fire quickly and extinguish it, thus limiting the damage to the home. Doody said Fire Captain Andy Morgan and firefighters Keith Ryan and Tom Brown quickly made entry, found the seat of the fire, and extinguished it in short order in very difficult conditions.

Members of the Norwood and Stoughton fire departments provided mutual aid, and DPW crew members were on scene to sand the street, which helped prevent slips and falls. Canton police handled traffic control and kept motorists from driving to the fire scene and obstructing access for incoming emergency vehicles.

Doody said the most likely cause of the fire is the ignition of lint in the dryer. The homeowner was being assisted by her neighbor and will be staying with family or friends until she can return to the house.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Feb 19 2015. Filed under News, Police & Fire. Both comments and pings are currently closed.