MERRILL — The Merrill Fire Department is enlisting the help of anyone who can dig out fire hydrants from under the snow on March 2 and 3 in Merrill.
Because of heavy snowfall recently many fire hydrants are buried under a couple feet of snow. The forecasts for more snow in the coming days will cause even more problems.
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 water to rural areas. Since many of the hydrants are buried under snow, firefighters have a difficult time locating them. In addition, when they do locate the hydrants, they waste valuable time shoveling out the hydrant instead of battling a structure fire.
To help
Volunteers should gather at 10 a.m. on March 2 and/or noon on March 3 at the Merrill Fire Station, 110 Pier St.
Volunteers, who should bring their own shovel, if possible, are asked to park in the lot to the south and west side of the fire station and enter door No. 3 on the south side of the building.
You will be briefed and taken to an area with hydrants in need of rescue. Firefighters expect to dig out hydrants about two hours each day.
Do you know of a hydrant that needs attention?
Call 715-536-2233 and give the fire department the location of the hydrant and the name of the nearest intersecting street.
Photo courtesy Merrill Fire Department.
