By Simone Sebastian
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
HARLEM — How many city employees does it take to open a fire hydrant?
A group of perspiring summer campers learned Wednesday that it takes three — Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, 90-year-old attorney Robert Morgenthau and the biceps of a strapping man wearing an FDNY shirt.
The hard-working team spent a suspenseful 30 seconds trying to release a refreshing spray of water from the hydrant as temperatures approached triple-digits Wednesday morning.
The hydrant opening was promoted as the highlight of the launch celebration for the Police Atheltic League Play Streets summer program. Morgenthau, the former Manhattan district attorney, was picked to lead the climactic moment because he is the PAL chairman.
Unfortunately, the hydrant wasn't the only twist that caused problems for the nonagenarian.
As he waited for his moment at the podium, Morgenthau took several unsuccessful stabs at the twist-off top to his Dasani bottled water before the cap finally came loose.
He needed just one big gulp before he addressed the outdoor event's audience of press, city officials and summer campers.
"In case you missed it, summer opened with a blast," Morgenthau told the crowd. "A big blast."
While Morgenthau's hydrant opening was clearly sanctioned, hundreds more that occured around the city yesterday weren't, officials said.
New Yorkers made about 1,500 calls to 3-1-1 to report open hydrants, according to Cas Holloway, commissioner for the Department of Environmental Protection. There are about 107,000 hydrants across the five boroughs, he said.
Community Boards 9 and 12, covering the areas of West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights and Inwood were the busiest areas for opened hydrants, Holloway said.
"It's always a challenge" to stay on top of the problem, he said.
But Holloway added that he's sympathetic to residents.
"Yesterday was also the hottest day ever," he said. "We understand people want to cool off."
