Warning after hydrants let off during Glasgow heatwave

Fire hydrants being set off in the East End of Glasgow in the middle of this year’s sweltering heatwave has sparked calls for anti-tamper devices to be fitted.

The Baillieston Area Partnership meeting heard this week (10 August) that youths set off hydrants during the recent hot spell in Wellhouse.

The vandalism can cause flooding, low pressure, lack of water supply and discolouration.

Eddie Andrews, of Wellhouse and Queenslie Community Council, asked about the possibility of installing anti tamper devices for the hydrants. It came after a hydrant was set off in Wellhouse Crescent in the area.

Fire and Rescue Service Station Commander, Anthony Meechan, told the meeting the problem “seems to kick off when we get sustained dry and hot weather.”

He warned: “There are serious implications.”

Mr Meechan said he will look into the possibility of anti-tamper devices.

Conservative Councillor Philip Charles said: “I don’t think this is just a Glasgow problem. It happens all over the UK.”

Wellhouse Housing Association urged people to report any incidents to the police by telephoning 101 following the spate in July.

It said in a statement: “Those who tamper with fire hydrants also risk serious injury to themselves or others due to the potential sudden release of high water pressure.

“Firefighters rely on these hydrants for fighting fires and a shortage of water could endanger people’s lives and property.”

Legally, only Scottish Water and Scottish Fire and Rescue have the power to access fire hydrants – and anyone else caught setting one off or vandalising it could face a fine of up to £5,000.

During the 2018 heatwave, when temperatures in the city soared to around 29C, emergency services issued a warning after a spate of incidents led to concerns Glasgow’s water supply could be disrupted.

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.

hellorayo.co.uk/clyde/