City of Chicago crews have closed about 1,700 fire hydrants in the last month, and city officials are urging residents to find a way to beat the heat that doesn’t involve turning the hydrants into makeshift fountains.
CHICAGO (AP) — City of Chicago crews have closed about 1,700 fire hydrants in the last month, and city officials are urging residents to find a way to beat the heat that doesn’t involve turning the hydrants into makeshift fountains.
Department of Water Management crews have closed 1,714 hydrants since June 18.
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications said Thursday another 207 hydrants remain open.
OEMC spokesman Roderick Drew says the hydrants were "most likely" opened by people seeking relief from the heat.
He says there are plenty of alternatives for cooling off, including cooling centers and air-conditioned public buildings.
Drew also says opening the hydrants is risky because people, especially children, can be pushed into the street by the stream of water. The water can also obscure children from passing cars.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
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