With snow piling up, area fire departments are asking for the public’s help to keep hydrants clear of snow so they can have access to them in case of fire.
The Knoxville, Pella, and Indianola Fire Departments are each asking businesses and the public to help them out by “adopting” a hydrant and clearing at least three feet around it.
Pella Fire Chief Doug Van Gorkom and Knoxville Fire Chief Cal Wyman both say valuable time can be lost if firefighters have to spend time at a fire scene digging out a hydrant, and it’s much more efficient to have someone who lives or works nearby keep them clear.