Jake Tinsley, Watch Manager at Foleshill Fire Station, said: “It’s vital that our firefighters have access to working hydrants at all times. They are a hugely important resource that our crews regularly use to extinguish fires safely.
“We pride ourselves on responding to serious incidents in just five minutes. However, if we arrive to find a damaged hydrant this can unnecessarily delay or hamper our firefighting.
“Turning out to repair hydrants that have been damaged deliberately can also be an avoidable waste of our time and resources”.
If you discover a hydrant that has been damaged, you can report this to us on our website.
Sophie Evans Young, Regional Water Lead at Severn Trent said: “Hydrant misuse is a serious matter which can impact the level and quality of supply to people in the local area, including vulnerable people.
“We strongly urge anyone who spots potential misuse of the water network to contact us at waterregulations@severntrent.co.uk, or by reporting it on their website.
Councillor Pat Seaman, Henley Ward Councillor, and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “The council and police work closely with the fire service and Severn Trent and that’s why we are backing the call urging people in the local community and across the city to help us tackle the problem.
“We are encouraging parents and carers to warn children about the dangers of hydrant vandalism, to both themselves and their wider community.”
We’d also like to remind members of the public not to obstruct fire hydrants, such as by parking a vehicle over them. This is illegal and could endanger lives in an emergency.