Milwaukee Fire Department asking citizens to clear snow from fire hydrants

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- While understanding that people already have a lot of snow to shovel, Milwaukee Firefighters are asking for a favor.

They need people to clear snow away from fire hydrants.

"As the snow keeps falling, the banks get higher and higher and pretty soon, we're not going to be able to find them."

The Fire Department says firefighters try to clear hydrants but they can't get to all of them. They say there are three hydrants per block. Having a clear path to them can save valuable time during an emergency. 

"Even though it's not yours in front of your house, it pays to do a little preventative maintenance and clear it out before an emergency happens," said Chief Russel Rivard with the Milwaukee Fire Department.

How much should be cleared? Shoveling 3 feet in each direction will provide an adequate space for firefighters to do their job.