In a recent Stafford City Council meeting, a critical discussion emerged regarding the city's fire safety infrastructure, specifically focusing on the alarming issue of inoperable fire hydrants. The conversation was sparked by a recent fire incident in Carroll Manor, where firefighters struggled to locate functional hydrants, resulting in significant delays in response time.

Council members emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive list of non-operational hydrants, which the water department is responsible for maintaining. One council member pointed out that the fire department was unaware of several hydrants that were out of service, leading to a chaotic situation during the emergency. "They lost a lot of time trying to find a live hydrant that actually was working," they noted, highlighting the potential dangers posed to residents and businesses.

To address this issue, council members proposed that the mayor or city attorney reach out to the water district to secure an updated list of hydrants. The discussion also included suggestions for the fire department to conduct regular checks on hydrants in their district, ensuring they are aware of which ones are operational. "If they don't give us the list, we're gonna have our firefighters go check it," one member stated, underscoring the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding the community.

The council's commitment to enhancing fire safety was clear, with plans to facilitate better communication between the water district and the fire department. As the meeting concluded, it was evident that the city is taking significant steps to ensure that firefighters have the necessary resources to respond effectively to emergencies, ultimately prioritizing the safety of Stafford residents.