Shiny new bolts now secure the fire hydrant to its lower standpipe at SE 80th Ave and E Burnside Street. It had been damaged in a vehicle collision a week ago, rendering it inoperable. Residents reported the damage in the early hours of September 24th. Broken parts of the vehicle were still on the road and sidewalk. By noon, City of Portland Water Bureau staff moved the dislodged fire hydrant back to its curbside pad and placed a traffic barricade over the open pipe.

Fortunately, this vehicular collision did not cause a fountain of water. Portland uses dry barrel hydrants designed to separate upon impact without releasing water. The hydrant’s collar will slip off the lower standpipe with lateral pressure, and the internal operating stem features a breakable coupling. That design prevents damage to the water valve that is located underground. 

This fire hydrant is operational again with only minor repairs. Likely, the vehicle that impacted it will require significantly more work.