How to Participate

Shovel Hydrants

When firefighters are digging – time keeps ticking. During a fire, seconds count, and after each snowfall, there are a few hydrants in Inver Grove Heights that become a little “hard to find.” 

Inver Grove Heights' firefighters need a three-foot area clear of snow and ice shoveled around each of the City’s fire hydrants and a three-foot wide path leading to the hydrant to the street.

Residents are encouraged to “Adopt-A-Hydrant” or two in their neighborhoods and make sure they are accessible after each snowfall. If a resident is physically unable to shovel a hydrant on their property, they are encouraged to ask a neighbor to help.

Hydrant Markers

All public fire hydrants (those located on easements, City property, and streets) should have a marker that allows the hydrant to be seen in deep snow. Residents who notice a public hydrant that isn’t marked are encouraged to notify the City of Inver Grove Heights Public Works Department, Streets/Utilities Division at (651) 450-4309.

Summer Months

In the summer months, some homeowners plant trees or landscape by a fire hydrant.  Residents need to keep this area clear. If there is a fire, firefighters need to be able to reach and use the hydrant. Plants will be trampled and a tree or a fence too close will be cut down.

Program Overview

The award-winning IGH FD Explorer Post #627 was established in 1997. For young men and women who are interested in careers in the field of fire service. The Explorer program offers experiential learning with lots of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote the growth and development of adolescent youth.

Over the years, our Explorer Post has performed thousands of hours of community service providing fire safety education at community events, canvassing high risk communities installing smoke alarms, and assisting with fire department needs. They have successfully competed at local, state, and national competitions, are well-known for their paramilitary bearing, and have a reputation as being respectful, hardworking, and focused.

Many past Inver Grove Heights Fire Explorers have found great success in the public safety industry, working as career and volunteer firefighters, Paramedics and EMTs, and police officers, both locally and abroad.  Post #627 has also been recognized by the Northern Star Council with their “Community Service Award” on several occasions over the years.

Fire Service Exploring is for young men and women ages 14 to 20.  

Meetings take place from 7 to 9 p.m. every other Tuesday evening.

For more detailed information on enrollment or activities, please contact:

Lieutenant Dan Bernardy, Fire Operations Supervisor by Email or call 651-450-4303