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Fairfax County residents who have finished clearing their driveways are being asked to keep shoveling—this time around a neighborhood fire hydrant.

The county’s Fire and Rescue Department has approved 300 new adoptions in the past week through its Adopt a Hydrant program, bringing the total to more than 840. But with roughly 30,000 hydrants across the county, thousands remain available.

The program allows residents to select a nearby hydrant and take responsibility for clearing snow, brush and debris within at least 3 feet of it.

Chip Galloway, the department’s lead Geographic Information Systems analyst, said participants take pride in maintaining their hydrants. Their work can also save firefighters valuable time during an emergency.

“If the community can help out, shaving seconds off an emergency response can make a big difference,” Galloway said.

Residents can participate through the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Adopt a Hydrant app. After entering an address, users can view available hydrants, choose one and submit an application. Approved participants receive an automated email with an adoption certificate and a thank-you from the department.

GIS analyst John Woolverton called the program a simple way for residents to support fire department operations and said officials hope participation continues growing each year.

The adoption comes with limits: Residents should only keep the surrounding area accessible. The department asks participants not to paint hydrants or place decorations around them.