Residents Demand Records After Fire Hydrant Failed During House Fire; Council Promises Follow-up

A Scranton resident described a house fire on the 3200 block of Cedar Avenue where firefighters were unable to get water from a nearby hydrant for more than 35 minutes and called on the city to obtain inspection and maintenance records from Pennsylvania American Water Company.

“It is unacceptable that a functional fire hydrant was unavailable for more than 35 minutes,” Virgil Argento told council and asked the city for pressure inspection reports and maintenance records for that hydrant and others across the city. Argento urged the council to hold the water company accountable and voiced concern about possible insurance rate impacts for residents and businesses.

In response, the chair and other members said staff had contacted the utility and that the matter was being checked out. The chair indicated he would provide Argento with documents and asked for his contact information to follow up.

Council members later noted they would work with the fire chief and staff to obtain records and investigate whether the hydrant failure was isolated or indicative of a wider maintenance problem. Council did not take formal action during the meeting but acknowledged the need for immediate follow up and record production.