Stamford Fire Company Installs New Dry Fire Hydrant

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A new dry fire hydrant was installed on Boulger Road thanks to a $4,000 grant from the Vermont Rural Fire Protection Task Force and donations from West Oil Co.

STAMFORD, Vt. — Stamford Volunteer Fire Company Inc. recently completed the installation of a dry fire hydrant on Boulger Road.

This project was partially funded with a $4,000 grant from the Vermont Rural Fire Protection Task Force 2014 Dry Hydrant Grant Program; the remaining balance was funded by Ann and Bob West and West Oil Co. of North Adams, Mass.

Installation of dry hydrants improves the availability and accessibility of water for firefighting purposes. Dry hydrants consists of a 8-inch pipe with a fitting to which a pumper can attach, and are the preferred method of providing water for firefighting in rural areas without water mains. The dry hydrant pipe is buried in the ground and connects to a water source (pond or stream) that can supply at least 60,000 gallons under drought conditions.

Installation of dry hydrants allows access to water sources from a gravel or blacktop roadway instead of working on soft ground immediately adjacent to a pond or stream. In areas without water mains and domestic fire hydrants, the dry hydrant concept provides a simple, cost-effective solution for water source access.



This is the fourth such hydrant to be installed in Stamford in the last four years.

"We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to apply for these grants," Fire Chief Paul Ethier said. "Dry Hydrant Grants are very important to small rural communities like Stamford without traditional pressurized hydrants.

"Not only do these hydrants make us more efficient, they make it safer for our firefighters. It's a win, win for the community."


Tags: fire department,   fire hydrants,   fire safety,   

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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