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Photo of the Week: San Francisco’s miracle hydrant turns 115

san francisco golden hydrant 115 year anniversary

Photo/San Francisco Fire Department

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This week’s Photo of the Week comes from the San Francisco Fire Department, which celebrated the 115th year since the “Golden Hydrant” helped saved the city’s historic Mission District after a devastating earthquake in 1906.

The 7.9 magnitude earthquake sparked several fires while also cutting off much of the city’s water supply. Amidst the widespread destruction, the Golden Hydrant was the only fire hydrant in the city that continued to work, helping firefighters limit the damage. Since then, the city has built a robust emergency water supply to ensure reliable access to water for future disasters.

Each year on April 18, the anniversary of the earthquake, the miracle hydrant is painted gold in commemoration.

san francisco golden hydrant 115 year anniversary

Photo/San Francisco Fire Department