Bob CollinsEvery now and again we are reminded of the incredible capability and creativity of the human mind when faced with a problem to solve.
In Philadelphia, it’s been hot. So a group of neighbors rented a dumpster, cleaned it up, put some tarps inside, and turned on the fire hydrant.
And they got this:
Alas, we are reminded of the incredible capability of the bureaucrat to snuff out all fun, too.
Karen Guss, communications director for the Department of Licenses and Inspections, pulled the plug on the block party, Billy Penn reports.
“In view of the City’s commitment to public health, safety and basic common sense, we will not issue permits for block party dumpster pools. And while you would think this decision would not require an explanation, three days of press requests have proven otherwise. So, Philly, here’s why you shouldn’t swim in a receptacle most often used for waste:
*First and foremost, this could reduce the amount of water available should a fire break out in that neighborhood. So if you would like to have water available should a fire break out in your home, don’t illegally tap a hydrant
*There is also the potential loss of life by injury due to the hydrant water pushing a small child or even an adult into oncoming traffic.
*Finally, remember that the pressure of the water coming out of the hydrant is so strong, and so powerful, that if opened too quickly or closed too quickly, it could deliver a jolt to the main of sufficient force that could break the main … and many blocks could lose water service until it is repaired.
We are not screwing around, Philly. The Streets Department will not issue any future block party permits to the 2400 block of Cedar, and officials have contacted the dumpster rental company regarding its failures to obtain the proper closure permits and to take mandatory measures to protect the street during placement of the dumpster.
In short, the City strongly recommends that residents opt for recreational options that are safer, more sanitary, and less likely to deplete the resources firefighters need in an emergency.”
(h/t: Kari Knudson)
