City: Don't Open Fire Hydrants

An open fire hydrant is the cliché movie scene setter screaming “it’s hot in the city.”

But the Baltimore City Department of Public Works is asking residents not to open hydrants.

“An open fire hydrant flows at a rate of 1,000 gallons per minute.  The force of this water can easily push a child or even an adult into oncoming roadway traffic,” according to a department press release.

According to the department, opening fire hydrants reduces water pressure. A lack of water pressure could hinder firefighters' ability to battle blazes in high-rises and hospitals. If the hydrant is not properly closed, it could also damage a water main.

As an alternative to opening a hydrant, the department recommends people use a garden hose to cool off.