If a fire hydrant has a history of being opened illegally, you can ask DEP to put a lock on it. Once a hydrant is locked, only officials from the Fire Department and DEP can open it.

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