Rocks in Hydrant Deter Firefighters

Fire crews who were called to battle a fire on the city's southeast side ran into an unusual challenge this afternoon---one of the fire hydrants near the scene of the fire on Roland Ave was full of rocks, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.

Its not immediately known how the rocks got into the hydrant, but the rocks severely deterred firefighting efforts in the 3700 block of Roland. 

When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames shooting out of the building, which was cut up into multiple businesses.Crews were also slowed by the presence of several acetylene tanks in the building.Fire units pulled out of the building and switched to what is called a 'defensive' posture, where they simply keep the fire from spreading.

Several employees and customers got out safely. 

 It's not known what caused the fire.

The roof quickly collapsed and the building was declared a total loss.

IMAGE: GETTY


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