New York, US: On a sweltering Saturday afternoon in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn, 32-year-old local resident Marcus Thompson turned an unassuming fire hydrant into his own personal water park — until officers arrived and shut down his makeshift oasis.
Unplanned Waterworks
Shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday, residents reported a torrent of water gushing onto East 97th Street. Witnesses described Thompson removing the hydrant’s cap and twisting the valve open before cheering neighbors, young and old, dove into the unexpected cascade. “He just popped it open like he owned the place,” said longtime neighbor Maria Delgado. “Kids were running through the spray and people were laughing.”
Police Response and Public Safety Concerns
Moments later, NYPD officers from the 69th Precinct arrived, citing both public safety and water waste concerns. They ordered Thompson to close the hydrant and detained him briefly to issue a summons. Fire Department officials emphasized that unauthorized hydrant openings can compromise water pressure needed for firefighting and contaminate the system. “Even well-intentioned acts can pose significant risks,” an FDNY spokesperson warned.
“I Thought It Was OK”
When questioned, Thompson insisted his motivation was simple relief from the heat. “It was in the middle of summer, and I just wanted to cool everyone off,” he told officers. “I thought it was OK if the water was just flowing into the street.” Though apologetic, he acknowledged he hadn’t sought permission from the Department of Environmental Protection or the FDNY prior to turning the hydrant.
Community Reaction: Fun or Folly?
Reactions in Canarsie were mixed. Some residents praised Thompson’s spontaneous block party vibe. “It felt like a blast from childhood,” recalled neighbor Darnell Brooks. Others, including elderly residents and parents of infants, worried about slippery sidewalks and potential collisions. Local business owner Nadia Singh reported foot traffic disruptions and a soggy storefront floor.
Legal and Environmental Repercussions
Under New York City law, unauthorized hydrant tampering can incur fines up to $1,000 and possible misdemeanor charges. DEP inspectors later measured water pressure in the immediate area and confirmed a temporary drop, though no emergencies were reported during the incident. “We take any decrease in hydrant pressure seriously,” a DEP official stated.
Looking Ahead: Hydrant Permit Clarifications
City officials reiterated proper channels for hydrant use: licensed hydrant permits and approved flow caps are required for street cleaning, construction, or neighborhood events. Community Board 18 indicated plans to host an information session this fall to educate residents on safe, legal methods of hydrant access — complete with DEP representatives and FDNY demonstrations.
A Summer Memory, with a Caveat
In the end, Marcus Thompson was released with a summons and ordered to appear in Brooklyn’s Environmental Control Board next month. For the neighborhood’s children, the hydrant splash remains a highlight of their summer — albeit one with an important lesson: if you’re going to turn on a hydrant, make sure you have the paperwork and permission to back it up.
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