Detroit Fire Dept warns against open fire hydrants during hot weather

Fire Dept: Opening fire hydrants is illegal, dangerous

DETROIT – With temperatures soaring into the 90's, the Detroit Fire Department is warning residents about the hazards of illegally opening fire hydrants.

The illegal use of hydrants can cause the city to experience dangerously low water pressure.

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Lack of water and low-water pressure can have devastating effects on citizens and firefighters alike.

An open fire hydrant can pump 1,000 gallons of water per minute.

That much water pressure can easily injure someone, cause a serious traffic accident, and push a child into the street.

Tampering with hydrants may also result in damage to the fire hydrant, making it difficult for firefighters to turn the hydrants on when water is needed during a real emergency.

If anyone other than a firefighter or other official city worker turns on a fire hydrant, or if you see a hydrant on, the Fire Department asks that you call the Water and Sewerage Department at 313-267-7401.