S.C. Firefighters Say Hydrants are Being Vandalized in Columbia

Columbia, S.C. firefighters say at least a dozen Richland County hydrants have been vandalized by thieves seeking brass, leaving them not working.

Deputy Chief Aubrey Jenkins says the thieves are taking the operating nuts and stems of the hydrants, which are needed to turn the water on.

Authorities say the suspects are likely selling the brass parts.

Officials say there are about 10,000 fire hydrants in Richland County, making it impossible to check each one for damage.

Jenkins says his biggest fear is firefighters not realizing they have a damaged hydrant until they need the water to fight a blaze.

Latest Comments

• February 28, 2008 at 2:19 am

  Here too says:

  Here on the west coast, they were stealing aluminum guard rails right off the freeway! I like Dread's third suggestion best.
• February 28, 2008 at 1:42 am

  Mr. Obvious says:

  The answer to what kind of low-life can be answered in a recent theft here in Iowa. Someone broke into a vacant house and cut some pipe to cash in for $$. It wasn't a water pi... read more
• February 28, 2008 at 1:05 am

  Dread says:

  What kind of low life would stoop so low to endanger the lives of the public for scrap metal? Law enforcement should do three things to stem this problem. First, notify ever... read more