Fire Department Access Roads and Hydrants

This is a challenging time of year for all with all the snow accumulation. It is important to remember during a fire or other emergency, every second counts. We are encountering a vast number of fire access roads and hydrants obstructed by snow accumulation. We rely heavily on both hydrants and emergency access roads (both which are required by codes) and when they are obstructed, it creates a huge delay in providing service to the residents of Nashua. Please remember that it is a requirement to maintain the emergency access roads, not only the roadway, but also clear the snow so that the gates can be opened and fire apparatus can makes its way through the gate. It is the duty of the owner/occupant to maintain the emergency access and also to notify the fire department of anything which may prevent us from access.

Snow plow drivers must use care to not plow snow into hydrants. We are encountering several hydrants throughout which are inaccessible – plowed in so much that we cannot locate the required hydrants at all.

NH RSA 236:21 Covering Fire Hydrant; Penalty – Any person who shall purposely and knowingly put or place or cause to be put or placed any snow, ice or other debris which covers a fire hydrant so as to make it inaccessible for immediate use in the event of a fire, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Fire department access roads:

1:18.2.1 Fire department access and fire department access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with section 18.2.

1:18.2.2.1 Access Boxes (Knox boxes) The AHJ (Fire Marshal’s Office) shall have the authority to require an access box(es) to be installed in an accessible location where access to or within the structure or area is difficult because of security.

1:18.2.2.2 Access to gated subdivisions or developments. The AHJ shall have the authority to require fire department access be provided to gated subdivisions or developments through the use of approved device  or system.

1:18.2.2.3 Access maintenance. The owner or occupant of a structure or area, with required fire department access as specified in 18.2.2.1 or 18.2.2.2, shall notify the AHJ when the access is modified in a manner that could prevent fire department access.

1:18.2.3.1.2 Fire department access roadways, fire lanes, parking lot lanes, or a combination thereof.

Hydrants:

1:18.3.4 Fire hydrants and connections to other approved water supplies shall be accessible to the fire department.

1:18.3.4.1 Clear space around hydrants. A 3 ft. clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants except as otherwise required or approved.  

Please maintain fire access roads and hydrants all year. Help us to help you – adopt a hydrant.  

Thank you!

Yours in Fire and Life Safety,

Cynthia Bautista

City of Nashua Fire Marshal

177 Lake Street

Nashua, NH 03060

603-589-3464

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