Firefighters Prepare for Pugwash Water System
Water could be flowing through the pipes of the new Pugwash Municipal Water System within six to eight weeks. As the launch draws near, there is more to consider than just turning on a tap.
Members of the Pugwash Fire Department (PFD) were out in the dark last night for a training exercise. While the 17 hydrants currently scattered around the village are technically designed for flushing the system, firefighters will use them for short term water supply in the event of emergency.
The PFD held a training session at the firehall last night, followed by hands on training at the hydrant on Water Street, near Eaton Park.
Firefighters went through the procedures for hooking into the municipal system from a safety perspective. The many steps start with where the operator should stop the fire truck, how to ensure the hydrant is properly operational, and how to connect not one, but three hose systems to give firefighters options in an emergency.
Last night’s rehearsal was with a dry system, but department Chief Andy Yarrow warned the PFD that the next time they train, it will be with water flowing.
Provincial Law Comes to Pugwash
There’s another forewarning for motorists—no parking within five metres of a fire hydrant. This is not a village rule, nor a county by-law. Parking too close to a fire hydrant warrants a hefty fine that grows with each offence. Enforcement in Pugwash will be a matter for the RCMP.
The fire department will recommend painted warnings, near the village hydrants, to guide motorists. That may be especially useful at places like the post office where a hydrant will render at least one current parking spot as illegal (from the hydrant on the corner of Water Street to the power pole).
The system is nearing completion, with final touches on the extensions to the system, along with detailed work at the wellhead. Pressure testing and remedial work to cover the scars of construction should all be completed before the valves are open.
Warden Al Gillis, the county councillor for the Pugwash area, has promised that water will flow in October or November, at the latest.