Fire Hydrant

A typical American-style fire hydrant in Charlottesville.

A fire hydrant (also known as a fire plug) is a receptacle for providing water to fire fighters to spray on burning buildings. It is a capped, valved connection directly to the water main. Traditionally, American fire hydrants are above-ground installations, similar to the one pictured, although European hydrants are typically set into the ground and covered, with signs pointing out where they are.

Such hydrants are typically necessary because the pumper engine only has enough water only to extinguish a small fire. If more water is needed the hose can be attached to the fire hydrant.

It is illegal to park on, next to or close to a fire hydrant, as emergency crews need to be able to access them quickly.

See also[edit]

• Firefighting
• Fire extinguisher