Operations & Maintenance - Hidden Hydrants

Did you know that hidden hydrants are a safety concern? Is your dog the only one who knows where the neighborhood fire hydrant is? Hopefully not! Fire crews need to quickly find the nearest hydrant if there is a fire. Hidden hydrants cause needless delays.

How you can help:

Check to see if you have a hydrant in your front yard or somewhere on your property line. Then check to see that it is clear of vegetation and structures which may obstruct the hydrant.

Crews need a 3-foot work area:

Crews need the area 3 feet around the hydrant to be clear. This is so they can perform maintenance, and have access to easily hook up to the hydrant in the event of a fire.

Seeing the hydrant:

Finding a hydrant easily can make a huge difference in response time for the Fire Department. That is why the fire code requires 150 foot (approxiately 1/2 city block) visibility from the steet. Take a few minutes to stand 150 feet back from the hydrant (about 1/2 a city block) and check to see that it is visible in both directions. Not visible? Take time to clear that vegetation - help make your neighborhood a little safer. Not sure how much vegetation to remove? Give Public Works a call at 360.753.8588 or publicworks@ci.olympia.wa.us. We are here to help.


Need More Information about Public Works Programs or Services? Contact the Public Works office.

  • Physical Address: 924 7th Ave. SE, Suite A
  • Mailing Address: PO Box 1967, Olympia, WA 98507
  • Download printer-friendly (PDF) directions to our office
  • Hours: M - F from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except City-recognized holidays)
  • Phone: 360.753.8588
  • TTY: 360.753.8270
  • Email: publicworks@ci.olympia.wa.us