Clearing Snow from Hydrants May Save Lives, Property

ST. PAUL - Can you spot the fire hydrant in this picture? It's there, buried beneath roughly six feet of snow and ice.

That's a problem for Minnesota firefighters.

It's also a safety concern the Minnesota State Fire Marshal urges homeowners to take seriously.

"Every second counts when you're trying to save someone's home," State Fire Marshal Bruce West said. "Fires double in size every minute so taking even 60 seconds to locate and dig out a hydrant can have devastating consequences."

Many hydrants are encased in hard snow and ice following this winter's significant snowfall and recent temperature fluctuations.

Homeowners can assist the fire department by keeping hydrants clear of snow so they are accessible in an emergency.

Public works crews can help locate hydrants already covered in snow.

While neighborhoods and commercial areas usually have multiple hydrants, West said hooking up to the next available hydrant can also waste time.

"Nobody wants to watch their belongings go up in flames while firefighters dig out a hydrant buried in snow," West said.

About the Minnesota Department Public Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management.

DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.