PUC and Sault Fire Launch “Hydrant Hero” Campaign to Keep Hydrants Clear This Winter

For Immediate Release

PUC and Sault Fire Launch “Hydrant Hero” Campaign to Keep Hydrants Clear This Winter

Sault Ste. Marie, ON (January 12, 2026) – With winter snowfall piling up across the city, PUC Services Inc. and Sault Fire Services are asking residents to take a few extra minutes after each snowfall to help keep their neighbourhoods safe by clearing nearby fire hydrants.

Sault Ste. Marie has already experienced significant snowfall this winter, and with more than 2,500 fire hydrants across the city, keeping them accessible is critical. Snow and ice buildup can block firefighters’ access and create dangerous delays during emergencies. While PUC Services crews regularly remove snow from hydrants, they can’t monitor all 2,500 hydrants at once.

“In an emergency, even small details can make a big difference. That’s why it’s critical to keep fire hydrants clear and ready, so firefighters can work quickly to control fires and protect lives and property,” said Fire Chief Peter Johnson. Sault Fire Services and PUC Services Inc. are encouraging residents to become “Hydrant Heroes” by adopting a hydrant in their neighbourhood and keeping it clear of snow throughout the winter.

To recognize these efforts, PUC Services and Sault Fire Services will award Hydrant Hero prize packs to selected participants throughout the season.

How to become a Hydrant Hero:

• Keep a 1.5-metre (5-feet) radius clear of snow around your hydrant.
• Take a photo of your cleared hydrant.
• Share it with PUC Services @SSMPUC or Sault Fire Services @SaultFire on social media.

Participants will be entered into monthly draws for Hydrant Hero gift packs, with all entries also eligible for a grand prize draw at the end of the campaign.

“Our crews do everything they can to keep the city safe, but community support makes a real difference,” said Robert Brewer, President and CEO of PUC Services Inc. “By keeping hydrants clear, residents help firefighters respond faster and protect the people and places that matter most.”

For more information, visit www.puc.ca or connect with PUC Services and Sault Fire Services on social media.