FDNY warns fans not to block fire hydrants during March Madness excitement
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March Madness is in full swing.
No. 9 seed TCU pulled off one of its first upsets of the year, edging No. 8 seed Ohio State in the first round on Thursday. The ninth seed taking over the eighth seed has become an early theme in this year’s NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament; All No. 9 seeds defeated their No. 8 opponents.
But as fans follow the college basketball game closely, the New York City Fire Department shared a reminder about fire hydrant protocol and safety amid the excitement.
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Water drips from a fire hydrant as firefighters gather near Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan in response to a fire at a luxury high-rise under construction on March 20, 2024 in New York City, New York. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
“It’s March Madness and blocking shots is part of the game. But turning off the fire hydrant? This is completely unacceptable,” the fire department wrote. In X.
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The FDNY added that vehicles parked at fire hydrants can cause delays at critical moments.
An FDNY truck in Manhattan, New York, July 5, 2024. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“Parking over fire hydrants is ILLEGAL in New York City and can cause delays for first responders when seconds count. Keep hydrants clean so FDNY members can get water to the fire quickly. Do not park over fire hydrants.”
Highlighting another part of New York City, the campaign continues to strengthen ties with the world of sports. The “Thank you, NYPD” movement is an ongoing effort to show appreciation to officers.
The campaign encouraged residents to upload videos expressing their appreciation for the department. St. John’s Head coach Rick Pitino was among those who responded and thanked those he said help maintain a safe urban environment.
Detailed view of the New York City Police Department logo on a police officer’s uniform. September 3, 2025. (Gardiner Anderson/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
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“I want to sincerely thank the NYPD officers who are doing an incredible job keeping our city safe,” Pitino said in a video posted to Madison Square Garden’s Instagram account on Friday. “Thank you very much.”
Pitino’s show of gratitude came just hours before the Red Storm beat Northern Iowa 79-53 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.
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