Fire Hydrant that Saved the Mission District - View this location on map On the morning of April 18, 1906 San francisco was shook by an eathquake estimated at 8.0 on the Richter scale. The quake broke most of the gas lines in the city causing fires. It also broke the water mains meaning there was no way to put them out. Somehow this hydrant worked and firefighters were able to save the Mission District. And that's why the hydrant is painted gold. Landmark

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