Hydrant Hero Campaign

PUC Services and Sault Fire Services Launch “Hydrant Hero” Campaign to Keep Fire Hydrants Clear and Communities Safe

Sault Ste. Marie, ON – January 8th, 2025 - Spending just a couple of extra minutes after each snowfall to ensure your local fire hydrant is clear could help save a life when every second counts during an emergency.

This year, Sault Ste. Marie has already seen its fair share of snow, and with over 2,500 fire hydrants across the city, keeping them clear is essential. Snow buildup can block firefighters' access, causing critical delays during emergencies. “In an emergency, snow-covered fire hydrants can cause firefighters to lose up to four minutes of precious time,” said Fire Chief Peter Johnson. “These are valuable minutes that are needed by firefighters to get the fire under control.”

While PUC Services crews regularly remove snow from hydrants, they can’t monitor all 2,500 hydrants at once. That’s why Sault Fire Services and PUC Services Inc. are encouraging residents to become “Hydrant Heroes” by adopting a hydrant in their neighbourhood and keeping it clear of snow throughout the winter.

Residents are reminded that blowing or piling snow near hydrants is unhelpful.

To celebrate the efforts of local Hydrant Heroes, PUC Services and Sault Fire Services will be giving away prize packs to selected participants.

Here’s how to take part:

• Keep a 1.5-metre (5-foot) radius clear of snow around your hydrant.
• Take a photo of your cleared hydrant.
• Share it with PUC Services @SSMPUC or Sault Fire Services @SaultFire on social media.

Heroes who participate will be entered to win monthly Hydrant Hero gift packs, and their names will go into a grand prize draw as a special thank-you for their contributions.

"Safety remains PUC's top priority," said Robert Brewer, President & CEO of PUC Services Inc. "By keeping hydrants clear, families are ensuring firefighters have quick and unobstructed access to hydrants during emergencies when every second counts."

For more information, visit www.puc.ca or connect with PUC Services and Sault Fire Services on social media.

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