In the wake of Winter Storm Fern, citizens are being asked by Washington Fire Department Station 83 to assist in keeping fire hydrants clear. Residents are urged to spend a few more minutes clearing the nearest hydrant to their residence while shoveling snow. Firefighters ask that a clear route be created from the street and that snow and ice be removed at least three feet from all sides of the hydrant. In an emergency, technicians can swiftly connect to a water supply by keeping hydrants visible and easily accessible.

A buried hydrant might cause operations to be delayed when time is of the essence, according to department officials, who point out that seconds matter during a fire. A straightforward action that can have a significant impact on the community and firefighters is clearing a hydrant.