Mystery as Fire Hydrant Thefts Leave California Neighborhood Vulnerable

Fire hydrant thefts have plagued a community in south Los Angeles, California, recently and the sheriff’s department is investigating.

“It is happening,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told Newsweek via phone on Monday. According to news outlet KTLA, the thefts are occurring in the Florence-Firestone neighborhood. The LACSD also confirmed to Newsweek it is occurring within the Century Station jurisdiction.

Four fire hydrants have been taken near 82nd Street and Hooper Avenue, leaving the area without an operational hydrant, KTLA reporter Jennifer McGraw noted.

“We are investigating several thefts in the area,” the LACSD also told Newsweek.

Krystail Cousins, a resident in the area told KTLA, “It’s beyond annoying.” Cousins added, “Why would you steal a fire hydrant? What are you going to do with a fire hydrant? … Now you have a whole neighborhood of houses that are in danger because we have no access for our fire department.”

Newsweek has reached out to the LACSD Century Station via phone and the Los Angeles County Fire Department via email on Monday for additional information.

KTLA also says that the LACSD is aware of similar thefts in Lynwood. The city of Lynwood is southeast of Florence. KTLA also reported that replacement fire hydrants are in the works along with additional locks to ensure this does not happen again.

Meanwhile, a heat wave is expected to hit southern California and surrounding areas this week. According to the National Weather Service Los Angeles, this is the first “significant heat of the season.” The high temperatures are expected to impact the area starting on Tuesday and end Thursday, with the warmest day being Wednesday.

According to the NWS, the desert area highs could reach 98-106 degrees. Mountain and valley area highs will reach 92-102 degrees. Residents are advised to “reduce exposure to heat” and remain hydrated throughout the day, NWS also says.

Vulnerable populations of the high temperatures include the pregnant, elderly, newborns, people with chronic health illnesses, and children, the NWS said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday.

Residents are also advised to never leave anyone or pet alone in a closed vehicle, wear loose-fitting clothes, stay in shaded areas and use air conditioning, the NWS says. People should also consider moving outdoor work to “cooler times of the day.”