Fire department seeks new recruits, hydrant flushing to begin soon

Pawhuska Fire Department personnel will begin flushing area fire hydrants on May 12, according to Fire Chief Gip Allen.

The annual hydrant-testing procedures are expected to continue for approximately two or three weeks, Allen said.

Residents may notice some discoloration of the water or experience low water pressure during test flushing of the hydrants in their neighborhoods, said the chief. He said the discoloration will not pose any health dangers. The water-pressure problems should be brief in duration, Allen added.

The local fire department also is starting a recruiting campaign, said the chief.

“Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer fireman should come down to the station and fill out an application,” Allen said.

Two longtime volunteers at the PFD have recently decided to retire, according to Allen.

“We’re needing to find replacements for them and could probably use even more,” the chief said.