FLINT -- The following is a message from the City of Flint:
City of Flint officials are advising residents to not turn on fire hydrants for relief from the sweltering heat of summer. The use of fire hydrants by unauthorized persons is a violation of Flint city ordinance and presents a public safety threat.
The ordinance is found in the Flint city charter under section 46-15 - Use of Hydrants without Permission. It shall be unlawful for any person, other than city employees, to use hydrants without first having obtained permission from the Fire Chief and the Superintendent of Water Supply.
Violation of this ordinance is a misdemeanor offense.
There is also a risk of injury to the persons involved when these hydrants are being turned on illegally. The illegal use of fire hydrants can also cause a public safety threat as well. The city's fire suppression is at risk whenever hydrants are turned on illegally. The illegal use of fire hydrants can make it impossible for the city to supply enough water in emergency situations causing the possible loss of life, buildings and homes.
