Driver likely to face hefty bill for sheared hydrant mess in Valley Glen

VALLEY GLEN, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A driver who sheared off a fire hydrant in Valley Glen caused a soaking mess Monday morning, as water spouted 50 feet in the air and damaged nearby businesses.

It took Los Angeles Department of Water and Power officials about an hour to shut off the water, after about 375,000 gallons of water were lost.

"When all is said and done the person who was driving the vehicle will probably be charged with some type of payment for our time here to reset the fire hydrant, for the loss of water," said George Franco with DWP.

The crash happened in the 13700 block of Burbank Boulevard at about 10:30 a.m., according to the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

The driver, who was likely driving too fast, lost control as he turned from Woodman Avenue to head eastbound on Burbank, "at which time the vehicle lost control, sheared off the fire hydrant, collided with the business, causing all the mess and chaos you see behind us," said Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Rich Brunson.

The vehicle damaged the front windows of a nearby wine store, while a dry-cleaning business suffered a partial roof collapse from the water.

The driver, who remained at the scene, declined comment. Police said it is too early in the investigation to determine if the driver will face any charges or citations.