Hydrant Blows at Scene of Pa. Blaze

A hydrant blew and a water pipe burst yesterday morning while Meyersdale firefighters working to douse a blaze about a block away, according to The Daily American.

Fire Chief Rick Irwin told the newspaper that crews decided to use a water tanker and had the fire on High Street under control within about 30 minutes.

Firefighter Jeff Kalp was in the line of fire when the hydrant blew out of the ground, but was uninjured.

Down the street, a water pipe burst, spewing dirt and further down asphalt flew through the air as another hole opened, according to the reporter.

Water authority workers replaced the broken piece of pipe and filled the hole.

Officials said pressure changes could have caused the pipeline to burst, but noted that it doesn't happen often.