The Los Lunas Fire Department will install more than 800 glow-in-the-dark blue dots on village streets in the upcoming months to make fire hydrants more visible and homes safer.

The blue dots are reflective markers with a raised surface which are visible from long distances at night and in rainy weather, said Lito Chavez, Los Lunas fire chief. Chavez said before the installation of the blue dots, obstacles such as basketball goals, illegally-parked cars and shrubbery often blocked firefighters' views of fire hydrants from the street while responding to a call.

The blue dots will allow firefighters to locate the fire hydrant right away, saving time and possibly structures and lives, Chavez said.

"(The blue dots) are handy, especially at night," Chavez said. "One of these days, I hope they will help save a house from burning down."

The department began installing the dots at the beginning of July and expects to be finished by December, Chavez said.

Greg Wortman, water and sewer department supervisor of the Los Lunas Water Department, saw the blue dots in Phoenix and noticed their benefits. Wortman offered to pay for the dots if the Los Lunas Fire Department agreed to install them, Chavez said.

Chavez said the team in charge of installing the reflectors, led by Lt. Tommy Madrid, has been very efficient. The team is also responsible for responding to calls during their shift and handles everything very well, Chavez said.

"They're always trying to find ways to improve the department," Chavez said. "I give them credit. They're always trying to make things better and easier for everyone."

Chavez said the department hopes to install blue dots in front of the hydrants on Main Street, but they have to get state permission first because it's a state highway.

In the meantime, the department will continue installing the dots on village-owned streets in Los Lunas, Chavez said.