Fire Lane Deicing

What This Service Involves

A fire lane that has been plowed can still ice over as meltwater refreezes, leaving a slick surface that slows emergency vehicles when seconds count. Western Washington's freeze-thaw pattern makes this refreeze almost routine after a lowland snow event. We anti-ice fire lanes ahead of forecast freezing and re-treat cleared lanes so they stay code-compliant and passable. Materials are chosen to work at the temperatures we actually see here while protecting the pavement and nearby storm drains.

Benefits

Prevents refreeze on plowed emergency-access lanes; Keeps fire lanes code-compliant and passable; Anti-ices ahead of forecast freezing conditions; Uses pavement- and drain-safe materials

Our Process

1) Anti-ice the fire lane ahead of forecast freezing; 2) Re-treat cleared lanes to stop meltwater refreeze; 3) Keep hydrant approaches deiced and open; 4) Document treatment for compliance records

What Affects the Cost

Length and width of the fire lane; Anti-icing versus post-storm treatment; Pavement- and drain-safe material choices; Priority scheduling during active storms; Number of refreeze cycles to cover

Best Time of Year

Keep fire lanes on an anti-icing plan for the full lowland snow season, roughly November through March.