Friday, December 25, 2009 Recently we had a crew of firefighters on State Street working to wash the bridge down. In preparation for this operation, they tagged a hydrant nearby. Once the rig was set up the hydrant was opened. A very short time later firefighters looked down the block to see water freely running out of the other 2.5” connection! After shutting the hydrant down they inspected and found the end of the cap had completely broken off. That end was found down the block.  No one was injured.

We always teach our new people to stand behind the hydrant once they wrap it to keep away from moving or bursting hose, traffic, and other obstacles. This is another one of those reasons why it is best to stand at the back to open the hydrant.