The Albert Lea fire and utilities departments are asking residents to help by digging out fire hydrants near their property. The heavy snowfall last week has left hydrants buried.

The Albert Lea Fire Department said there are more than 1,300 fire hydrants within the city.

“A fire doubles every one to two minutes – the less time we have to take to find and dig out the hydrant, the quicker we can put out the fire and save property and lives,” said Capt. Mark Light.