New Ulm Fire Chief Paul Macho is requesting the public’s help in clearing snow from fire hydrants. Residents and business owners can Adopt-A-Hydrant by clearing a 3-foot area around the hydrant, making it easily accessible for firefighters. Even if it is not on your property, you can help out a neighbor and your entire neighborhood by clearing the snow. When fighting a fire, every second counts. The time firefighters spend shoveling snow away from a hydrant could be spent saving a life or a home.