Fire hydrants in the summer in NYC

By Jack Brummet, Metro Ed.

One of the most iconic images of New York is seeing children (and adults) running through water shooting out of a fire hydrant. When I lived in NYC (77-82), people cranked open hydrants in the summer. If you went to the local police precinct, they would give you a hydrant sprinkler that you screwed onto the pipe (which helped keep the reservoirs and water pressure high).

From an article, "How To Open Fire Hydrants In NYC And Do It Legally":

"What's the best way to open a fire hydrant? The Department of Environmental Protections reminds New Yorkers that it's technically illegal--unless you have a city-approved spray cap.

"And these are easy to get! Spray caps can be obtained legally by an adult at your local firehouse. A firefighter will even come to your block's fire hydrant (there are 109,000 in New York) and open it for you.

"So get out on the streets New York! It's HOT out."

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