This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
West Valley City Fire Chief John Evans on Wednesday asked residents and businesses to clear hydrants of snow so firefighters can find them quickly.
The chief said firefighters responding to structure fires in the past 24 hours have had problems getting access to the hydrants.
Other fire agencies also have reported delays because of hydrants that are buried in snow.
On Saturday, Salt Lake City firefighters who were working to put out a University of Utah shuttle bus fire were delayed because they had to dig out a hydrant. The bus was a complete loss.
The South Davis Metro Fire Agency — which covers Bountiful, Centerville, North Salt Lake, West Bountiful, Woods Cross and unincorporated areas of south Davis County — has started an Adopt a Fire Hydrant program. The agency is asking people to keep the hydrant nearest their home or business clear of snow.
"Please keep it clear after each snowfall, and clear a path approximately 3 feet around the hydrant and shovel a path from the street to the hydrant," the agency said in a news release.
South Davis Metro also is asking residents to help their elderly or disabled neighbors by adopting their hydrants as well.
Twitter: @PamelaMansonSLC