January 16, 2009
Hello Kachess Community Members,
This note addresses circumstances we hope we never experience, but must be prepared for in the
event it occurs. Fire is a major concern to our village, be it forest or home and we need to
communicate and clarify the decision made at the January 13, 2009 board meeting.
Recently, after many discussions with Monty Moore Jr., Fire Chief for the Volunteer Fire Department
that serves our community, it was determined that we are exposed to a risk with the “dog house” fire
hydrants around the community. When the community was formed 30 years ago, many community
members were trained in the use of the fire fighting equipment, and this made sense given the
community did not have a volunteer fire department. As a result, keys were left on the front of the
“dog houses” and anyone could access them.
Over time, people have bought and sold, and fewer people are trained on the use of the equipment.
More importantly, we now have a very competent volunteer fire department, and additional equipment
to augment the use of the “dog houses” throughout the plat. After discussion, the board decided we
are exposed to more risk leaving open access to the large high pressure lines and we should restrict
access to the trained firefighters. The logic is that if used improperly, the dog houses themselves can
pose significant danger not only to the operator but anyone around them should the system become
energized without proper precautions.
This decision is very much aligned with policies of other communities around the state. Where a fire
department exists, a homeowner would not walk up to a fire hydrant and turn it on – even in an
emergency. Our doghouses really are no different – they exist for the fire department to use to fight
fires.
We certainly hope this does not sound like we don’t believe that there are some very competent
people in our village that probably do have adequate training…..and if you have the interest, we
should look to work with Monty Moore Jr., our fire chief, to deputize into the volunteer fire department
those interested.
As always, we are first and foremost concerned with life safety. In the event of fire, dial 911…..do
what you can as you see fit with resources at or around your home, but please leave the dog houses
for those who have been properly trained.
If you have any questions, please shoot me an e-mail or come to a board meeting.
Thanks.
Tom Carmody
Kachess Board President
president@kachess.com
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