Des Plaines fire hydrants to receive markers

Some 700 fire hydrants in Des Plaines will be getting fire hydrant markers and flags before the winter to make it easier for firefighters to locate hydrants buried in snow, officials said.

The reflectively-striped poles with reflective flags will be installed primarily in cul-de-sacs and 4-lane roads where it's common for snow piles to cover hydrants, said Fire Chief Alan Wax.

The city council approved the purchase of $15,075 worth of markers and flags earlier this month, while stopping short of buying enough for all 3,600 hydrants in Des Plaines. Wax said a larger purchase wasn't in the budget this year.

Fifth Ward Alderman Jim Brookman, a former Des Plaines firefighter, said he's in favor of buying additional markers if the first 700 markers prove effective.

"This is life safety," Brookman said. "We shouldn't hesitate at all to fund these hydrants."