Binghamton, NY — January 31st —  ?During the early-morning fire response at 545 State Street, a properly cleared fire hydrant helped to boost suppression efforts. Because the hydrant was accessible following the recent snowstorm, crews were able to rapidly connect, create a reliable water supply, and begin safeguarding surrounding vulnerable properties without delay. Reliable hydrant access allowed firemen to work more efficiently during a difficult operation, reducing the physical strain on crews. Fire authorities stated that cleaning hydrants before an emergency can dramatically improve response times and safety.