North Cape Coral lacks city water, hydrants to battle fires

Firefighters struggled to find water to put out the flames at a NW Cape Coral home Wednesday.

It took more than 15,000 gallons of water to put out the house fire. So many because the Cape called for extra tankers to come in and supply a continuous flow of water.

“We didn’t see the fire until the fire engines showed up and they’re quite a few of them,” said Bill Marino, a nearby neighbor.

“So one would be emptying the water,” said Andrea Schorch, Cape Coral Fire Dept., “while another was at a hydrant refilling.”

Apart from rotating tankers, the fire dept. used a technique called “turbo drafting,” which allows them to pull more water from what is around them. The water can be from several sources, such as a canal or a swimming pool, for instance.

“It’s a special system designed to pull water from that body of water into the fire truck and then we use it to fight the fire,” Schorch said.

While it does take more effort from firefighters, the department said it does not affect its response time.

The City of Cape Coral said the solution to the issue is the utility extension project, which will give all homes in North Cape Coral access to city sewer and water.

The first phase, North of Pine Island, is around 80% complete. It will bring thousands of fire hydrants to the area. Roads are being redone as crews lay the pipes underground.

There are another seven sections to complete in North Cape Coral. That will take many years.

“We want all residents to rest assure that they will receive equal fire suppression services,” Schorch said, “no matter where you are in the city.”