Local firefighters say they're having trouble at some of the older mobilehome parks in Wayne County. The planning board says it's time to push forhigher standards in many neighborhoods. One thing being pushed is arequirement for a fire hydrant in every mobile home park with five or moreunits. They want the land owners to flip the bill.
Firefighters support the measure. They say they need all the help theycan get for their critical work.
Like all of us, L.H. Gelverton wants to protect his home from fire. Buthe has an extra challenge. Gelverton lives in an older mobile home. Theclosest fire hydrant is more than 500 yards away.
Firefighters want to make protecting homes easier. The local firefightersassociation supports a proposal requiring fire hydrants in mobile homeparks with five or more units. Tanker trucks can usually do the job onits own, but crews say the back-up a hydrant provides is crucial.
Chief James Bradshaw of the Fremont Fire Department says the first four tosix minutes at a fire scene is critical. In that time, Bradshaw says, youcan determine what if anything will be saved.
Land owner Nellie Langston supports the idea of more hydrants and fireprotection, but doesn't like the idea of paying at least $1500 to hook itup.
"If they want to help flip the bill, I'll half it," Langston says."Otherwise, I just can't do it."
Supporters say it's only fair that land owners pay the bill for a hookupthat can take minutes off a life-saving mission.
The measure isn't a done deal yet. Although the planning board has signedoff on the idea, it not must go to the Wayne County Board of Health. Ifthe Board of Health approves the measure, it would then go to countycommissioners who would call on a public vote.
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