With several additional inches of snowfall in the last couple of days, our fire hydrants might be getting noticeably covered up.

Jefferson Fire Chief Jack Williams reminds everyone to make sure property owners are clearing a space around those properties that have fire hydrants on them.

“All the fire hydrants should be scooped down to the ground at least two-foot diameter around the fire hydrant so that we don’t have to mess around with trying to dig out to hook up a fire hydrant hose if we need to.”

Williams explains the importance and benefits of keeping fire hydrants cleared during the winter season.

“It takes less time for us to hook up to it, we don’t have to actually dig it out. And if you can get to the snow in a pretty reasonably amount of time and it’s not froze into big chunks and it just makes it easier for all of us especially if it’s your house on fire, you would want us to put it out as quickly as possible. So it’s kind of an insurance policy for yourself too.”

Williams adds that it’s not required, but he appreciates those property owners who have fire hydrants on their property to make sure there is a clear path around them.