Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 31/08/2

A number of hydrants were found to be covered with silt on the night of the fire at The Penhallow Hotel. The first hydrant that was used on the night initially had a car parked over the top of it; the firefighters had to remove this before using the hydrant.

During the fire further hydrants were brought into use including those on a large water main a few streets away. In addition to this the Officer in Charge ordered two bulk water carriers. Each fire engine also carries 400 gallons of water on board.

There are in excess of 14,500 hydrants in Cornwall that are owned by South West Water.

The Brigade has a maintenance programme undertaken by a contractor. The contractor is required to inspect each hydrant every two years and clear any obvious defects such as silt. They are not contractually required to wet test hydrants and wet testing goes against national guidance.

Our records show that the hydrants in Island Crescent were inspected earlier this year. We do have concerns that they have silted up in such a short period of time. Having said this it is not uncommon for hydrants to silt up. They are set in holes in the road or pavement and are covered by a steel plate that is not water tight.

Cornwall County Fire Brigade is currently in the process of determining how we can enhance the inspection regime.