EXCLUSIVE: San Jose leaders vow to take action after 2 fire hydrants fail to work

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- San Jose city leaders said they're going to take action after fire crews discovered two fire hydrants were broken as they were fighting a fire.

No one knows why the fire hydrants went unnoticed for so long. But San Jose's vice mayor said Wednesday they're going to take steps to make sure this doesn't happen again.

Residents on Sugar Creek Drive say they complained about two broken fire hydrants, but nothing was done. That is until a fire ravaged one townhome and killed two family pets. It was then the problem became all too apparent for fire crews trying to access the water.

"You think something like that would be taken care of right away," said Serena Sanchez, a San Jose resident.

It's fixed now, but the city's vice mayor Rose Herrera is concerned and has plans to make systematic changes.

"When residents call to have it fixed we need to have water company, and in this case Muni Water, notify the fire department immediately," Herrera said.

Municipal water system says they had no record of calls in this case. A spokesperson said they welcome any improvements.

In the meantime, as the summer months approach, fire crews say knowing which hydrants aren't working will be critical.

"By knowing that information will allow us to better perform our job," said San Jose fire Capt. Chris Salcido.

The fire department says they don't run into this problem too often and as a proactive approach crews have been conducting a visual check of fire hydrants every year across the city.

Residents say they're just glad to know all this talk is leading to real progress.

"It's my home, neighbor's home, it's really important," Sanchez said.

Herrera will also make a recommendation to staff for water companies in charge of maintenance to keep a record of hydrants they are working on.