The chairman of the Sun City Fire District board made it clear Tuesday that firefighters aren't in the painting business.

"Somebody has been writing (in letters to the editor) that the firefighters should be repainting hydrants in their spare time," Irv Mitchell said. "That won't work for a lot of reasons. And spare time is hard to come by anyway."

Mitchell reminded residents that, when they are not out on calls, the crews are often taking classes to get certified in a variety of areas related to their profession.

"And if there is a call they are right there and they leave," Mitchell said. "If they were out painting hydrants, they would be out of service. They would not be able to respond to a call."

Most importantly, Mitchell said, the Sun City Fire Department could not touch the hydrants even if they wanted to.

"Arizona American Water owns those hydrants, and you are paying Arizona American to maintain them," Mitchell said.

Fire Chief Jim Sebert said if citizens think a hydrant is in particularly bad shape, they should call the fire department in addition to Arizona American.

"We will be happy to help them interface with Arizona American to get the problem fixed," Sebert said. "Call the water company first, of course, but if you are having trouble making contact, we can help."

Mitchell said in his experience working with a fire department in Pennsylvania, hydrants freezing was a common problem.

"Fortunately we do not have to deal with that here, but we do have our own problems," Mitchell said. "The oil that is used in the hydrant as a lubricant heats up, and it boils over the top and out onto the hydrant."

Mitchell stressed, however, that even though the hydrant may not look pristine, the performance is not affected. Sebert said while the suggested solution of having firefighters paint the hydrants is not acceptable, he does not deny that the problem exists.

"We certainly are aware that there are hydrants out there that look pretty bad," Sebert said. "The subject of those letters is valid."

Beyond calling Arizona American and notifying them of the problem, however, Sebert said there is little the department can do.

Jeff Dempsey may be reached at 623-876-2531 or jdempsey@yourwestvalley.com.