Piqua crews battle frozen hydrant

PIQUA, Ohio (Piqua Daily Call) - A frozen fire hydrant did not hamper the Piqua Fire Department in battling a small blaze that broke out at a rental property located at 600 Second St. at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday.

While department officials report the cause is listed as undetermined, Capt. Jon Stevens said it is believed to be electrical in nature and originated in the attic of the single-story residence.

Occupants inside the home when the fire broke out managed to escape and are being assisted by the Northern Miami Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. No injuries were reported.

Damage has been estimated at $20,000 to the structure and $5,000 to the contents. Maintenance of hydrants is handled by the city's street department, but hydrants like the one shown above are usually the result of a broken valve, firefighters said.

Another nearby hydrant was used to extinguish the blaze, in addition to 750 gallons of water carried in the responding fire truck, which usually buys at least seven minutes worth of water.