Fire Hydrant

firefighting · water systems · city infrastructure

Firefighter water source. Fire hydrants connect firefighters to underground water pipes so they can quickly pump water onto burning buildings. Each hydrant can deliver hundreds of gallons of water per minute to stop fires fast.

Underground pipes. The actual water pipes run hidden beneath the streets, but the colorful hydrant sticking up is the spot where firefighters attach their hoses. Most hydrants in towns and cities are red, yellow, or white so they're easy to spot.

Old European idea. Underground hydrants were first used in Europe and Asia over 200 years ago, but the tall pillar-type hydrants you see today were invented in the 1800s and became the standard design.

Part of fire protection. Fire hydrants are a key part of a city's active fire protection system, meaning they actively help stop fires rather than just preventing them. Without hydrants, firefighters would have a much harder time controlling big fires.