SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -- Western Mass. residents know firsthand just how much of a challenge the winter can pose. As cleanup continues after the snowstorm, local fire departments are reminding folks that they can help save lives by taking a few extra moments while clearing up the snow.

Across the area, hundreds of fire hydrants are completely buried under snow after Sunday’s snowstorm swept across the regions.

For local firefighters, one of the biggest challenges after a winter storm can be finding those hydrants, especially during a fire emergency.

Western Mass News spoke with Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte, who tells us, “The easier we can locate the hydrant, the faster we can establish a water source for a fire.”

Captain Piemonte knows just how crucial every second is during a fire emergency, so he’s asking residents to please clear a three-foot radius around your nearby fire hydrant and ensure there’s a clear path from the street. All the help is greatly appreciated.

“Seconds count in the fire service. You know, if we have to take the time to shovel out the hydrant before we can hook our holes up, then that’s definitely going to be time delaying... If you’re physically able to, please make an effort to clear an area three feet around the hydrants,” he continues.

So, while you’re finishing up plowing and shoveling off your sidewalks and driveways, try and take an extra moment to help out your fellow neighbor.

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