Clear your fire hydrants, fire department says

The Kalispell Fire Department is asking people to help keep their neighborhood fire hydrants clear after many were buried by recent snowfall.

Along with falling snow, snow thrown up by passing plows can make the hydrants difficult to locate and use.

When firefighters responding to a fire have to cope with that challenge by first finding and then shoveling out the hydrants, precious time is lost.

With that in mind, residents are asked to help by keeping the fire hydrant nearest their houses and businesses clear, with snow removed three feet from the hydrant in all directions as well as in a path from the hydrant to the nearest roadway.

Residents are advised to be cautious shoveling near traffic. Those in need of assistance can contact the fire department at 758-7760.