The FDNY and DEP Warn Against the Dangers of Opening City Hydrants

Children playing in a hydrant equipped with a spray cap.

The FDNY joined the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on July 14 to help kick off their Hydrant Education Action Team (HEAT) program. The initiative works to inform the public about the dangers of unauthorized and improper fire hydrant use.

Operated in partnership with the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, the program deploys teams of young adults to inform residents that opening fire hydrants without spray caps is illegal, wasteful and dangerous.

Open fire hydrants significantly reduce local water pressure, potentially impairing firefighting operations. Serious injuries also can be caused by the powerful force of the water pressure.

Instead, city officials urge New Yorkers to obtain spray caps, which are available to be checked out for free by an adult 18-years or over at local firehouses.

One unauthorized open hydrant generally releases more than 1,000 gallons of water per minute, while a hydrant with a spray cap releases 20 to 25 gallons per minute.