The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a Fire Hydrant Emergency (FHE) and is dispatching crews throughout the City to shut open fire hydrants as quickly as possible, once reports are received.

During FHE, requests to lock specific hydrants are not accepted.

To request that a fire hydrant be unlocked, you must first get a permit from a DEP borough office. Once you have the permit, in order for DEP to open the hydrant. you must provide 311 with:

• Permit number
• Your phone number
• Hydrant location

You can ask at your local firehouse to have a hydrant fitted with a spray cap and opened for recreational use.

What You Need

You must be over 18, show ID, and fill out a form.

Firehouse Locations

To find a firehouse location, go to the Firehouses page.

What Happens Next

The firehouse will schedule a time to turn the hydrant on and off.

DEP paints fire hydrants on a regular maintenance schedule, but does not accept painting requests.

To request the relocation, installation or removal of a fire hydrant, send a letter to:

NYC Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations
59-17 Junction Boulevard
Flushing, NY 11373

What You Need

The letter must include:

• Where the hydrant is currently located
• Where you want it moved if you are requesting relocation
• The reason for your request