It is a phenomenon that now returns with each episode of heat wave.
Wild openings of fire hydrants, also called "
street pooling
", have been observed in various points of the capital and in Seine-Saint-Denis in recent days.
An illegal practice, which can have consequences for the water supply for firefighters.
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In Aubervilliers, fire hydrants were opened in several parts of the city, as in this video posted on Twitter in a suburban area where around twenty young people took the opportunity to have a water fight.
Street scenes also observed in several points of the 19th arrondissement of Paris, sometimes slowing traffic.
An illegal practice
These events seem to have had a limited scope, since no arrests have been reported to the Paris police headquarters in recent days in connection with this practice.
Despite its playful appearance, this activity is illegal and punishable by a 5-year prison sentence and a fine of 75,000 euros.
In addition to being the cause of a significant waste of water, it can lead to serious accidents.
A six-year-old child, thrown into the air by the pressure of the water, was thus seriously injured in Saint-Denis in June 2019. In addition, "
street pooling
" can put "
in danger the rescue chain but also your own safety
, ”recalls the Paris police headquarters on its Twitter account.
