The West Fargo Fire Department reminds residents to sign up for the annual Adopt a Hydrant program. Residents are encouraged to adopt a hydrant during the winter season to help save time and lives. 

Residents who register via the online tool will be entered into a drawing for a gift card, awarded monthly. When registering to adopt a hydrant, residents are encouraged to give their hydrant a clever, family-friendly name. 

“There are over 2,000 fire hydrants located throughout the City of West Fargo,” said Dell Sprecher, Fire Marshal. “When adopting a hydrant, residents save our firefighters valuable time in case of emergency by shoveling out their hydrant following a winter storm.” 

Users can access the Adopt a Hydrant tool via the West Fargo Fire Department website (westfargofire.org) or directly at https://map.westfargond.gov/AdoptAHydrant/.

Although there is no ordinance requiring residents or commercial property owners to clear hydrants, keeping hydrants clear of snow and ice is critically important during an emergency. Flames can fully engulf a structure in less than 15 minutes, so having a clear fire hydrant assists the department’s response time significantly. 

When clearing a hydrant, the West Fargo Fire Department asks volunteers to clear a 3-foot radius around the hydrant and ensure access is available from the road. The West Fargo Fire Department estimates it can take the average individual about 20 minutes to clear the hydrant with a shovel or brush after an average snowfall. Those who choose to clear snow should take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion, which can lead to injuries or even heart attacks.