Pocono News Section

All Fire Hydrants Shut Off in White Haven

All Fire Hydrants Shut Off in White Haven - Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 04:01AM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Tuesday June 15 2010
WHITE HAVEN, LUZERNE COUNTY -- Many people in White Haven fear for their safety after every fire hydrant in the community was shut down. And its expected to last for another month.

The hydrants cannot be used for fighting fires. White Haven officials say they have plans in place to handle any fire, but some residents say they won't feel safe until those hydrants are up and running again.

19 hydrants altogether are out of service, covered with orange bags that warn firefighters they can not be used.

Catherine Grey and her mother Debbie live near a hydrant. "Let's hope our house doesn't go on fire was the first thing I thought of. A couple of years ago there was a huge fire two doors down from us, thank god that hydrant was working at the time. I hope there is a back-up supply. This is potentially dangerous," said Catherine.

"I'd like to know how fast they can get to a fire, even though they have a supply down at the park, how fast is it? These houses are all old. They go up like match sticks," added Debbie.

The hydrants were shut down because the main water tank in White Haven is being painted inside and outside. It had to be drained. Smaller back-up tanks simply don't have enough water to supply the hydrants.

White Haven officials say the back-up tank at Lehigh Park will be used to supply a tanker shuttle and people have no reason to be concerned.

Councilman Herb Albee says contingency plans are in place. "As soon as they get dispatched tankers from Denisson Township, Kidder Township and Foster Township come in. Wed have lots of water here in plenty of time."

Most downtown business owners like Lisa Jarick are not worried. "No it doesn't actually [worry me]. If we have a fire down here, if they need water they can get it from the river, Penn Lake, the Poconos. I can't complain. I feel good about responses."

A company called Aqua Pennsylvania provides water service for White Haven. A manager told me the painting had to be done to help maintain water quality by preventing rust inside that main tank. She says the hydrants should be back in service by the end of July.