Kent Fire Department issues warning about tree across Cuyahoga River

Kent Fire Department warns people to stay off the Cuyahoga River in the area just north of the Haymaker Bridge until further notice, due to a tree that has fallen across the river.

The city plans to remove the hazard Thursday morning, but in the meantime it is acting as a strainer. The tree is allowing water to pass but is trapping solids. Fire officials say such a condition can cause trouble for kayakers.

"Hazards like this are why we implore paddlers to scout the river before their planned trip," the fire department posted Monday on Facebook. "Identifying a hazard prior will allow you to plan ahead of time or postpone your trip. It is always best to err on the side of caution."

Anyone finding a hazard is asked to call the fire station at 330-673-8814 to report it, as was done in this case by a concerned kayaker.

Mitigating hazards such as this involves a collaboration between the fire department, Portage County Water Rescue Team, the Kent Parks and Recreation Department and the Kent Service Department, as well as Davey Tree Expert Co. providing consultation.

"All of these entities have trained extensively together in the past to learn how to responsibly manage these natural hazards," the fire department posted. "Woody debris in the river is an essential component of our river’s ecosystem. We understand and respect this fact, while providing safe passage for those using our river for recreation."

The fire department reminds everyone to wear a life jacket on the water − "Strapped to your kayak is not good enough." Also encouraged is to never use the river alone, use a "buddy system," and communicate plans to someone else with a check-in time.

"If you don’t call, then they will call us to make sure you are safe," the fire department posted. "We all love our Cuyahoga River and would like to continue to be good stewards…and to use it safely."

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Kent Fire Department issues warning about tree across Cuyahoga River