Traverse City Fire Department Urges Residents to Clear Three Feet Around Hydrants

Traverse City Fire Department asked residents on Feb. 2, 2026 to clear snow around fire hydrants so crews can reach water and access points without delay. Officials urged homeowners and businesses to remove snow in a roughly three-foot radius around hydrants, keep a clear path from the hydrant to the street, and make the entire hydrant visible from the road.

Captain Chris Jackson of the Traverse City Fire Department underscored the urgency. “In an emergency, time is everything. If we have to shovel before we can respond, that delay costs much needed time that should be used on containing the fire.” Firefighters also reminded the community that “shoveling isn’t just about convenience, it’s about safety.”

The department warned that snow-covered sidewalks, blocked fire hydrants, and unplowed access points can “significantly slow emergency response times.” When crews must dig out a buried hydrant or clear a path before connecting hoses, “valuable seconds—and sometimes minutes—are lost.” Fire hydrants buried under snow are “especially dangerous,” and clearing at least three feet around a hydrant helps firefighters connect hoses “quickly and efficiently.”

City of Traverse City guidance complements the fire department’s plea and clarifies resident responsibilities. The municipal website notes that “uncleared pathways make access difficult for firefighters and paramedics in cases of emergency,” and that a city ordinance requires residents and business owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks immediately adjacent to their property. The Department of Public Services (DPS) supplements sidewalk plowing but prioritizes main roadways and routes to schools, does not operate around the clock, and may leave accumulations between plow shifts.

The city also advises care when moving snow. “When clearing snow with a shovel, plow, or snowblower, please avoid pushing or placing snow into the street or alley. This creates unnecessary snow piles, increases the workload for City crews, and can result in large accumulations being pushed into other areas, potentially causing safety hazards.” Cleared snow should be placed on the tree lawn, on personal property, or around street trees in downtown areas.

Practical actions for Grand Traverse County residents are straightforward: clear a three-foot radius around hydrants, keep a clear path to the street, make hydrants visible from the road, and maintain sidewalks adjacent to your property. Doing so helps firefighters and emergency medical responders reach homes faster, “particularly for seniors, people with disabilities, and anyone experiencing a critical need.”

With winter weather still producing heavy snowfall, clearing hydrants and sidewalks is an immediate, local step that can save crucial response time and protect neighbors. Residents who can help older relatives or neighbors with snow removal will strengthen community resilience and keep emergency crews focused on the job at hand.