Residents are being urged not to block fire hydrants, after firefighters had difficulty accessing water during a blaze on the Gold Coast.
Fire authorities say residents are placing their lives and properties at risk by inadvertently obstructing firefighters' access to water.Firefighters recently had difficulty finding a hydrant after it was covered with soilQueensland Rural Fire Service area director Corey Bock said firefighters were having to hunt for fire hydrants hidden under dirt, overgrown grass or parked vehicles, wasting time when seconds counted.
Mr Bock said it was "absolutely critical" for residents to understand the importance of keeping fire hydrants clear of debris. "You never know when you're going to need them, so you've got to always make sure that they're visible and ready to access at any point in time." While there are maps, firefighters often rely on markers such as blue reflectors to quickly locate fire hydrants.
A Gold Coast City Council spokesperson said residents could also incur a fine for blocking fire hydrants and parking on nature strips.
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