ANTHONY, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Fire hydrants in El Paso County, particularly in Anthony, are facing maintenance challenges, raising safety concerns among residents and business owners. <\/p>\n
Arnie Castaneda, public works superintendent for the Town of Anthony, explained that issues such as low manpower and lack of equipment can delay repairs. <\/p>\n
The town currently has 98 fire hydrants, with seven out of service. <\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso County adopts new fire code and outdoor business order to enhance safety measures<\/a><\/p>\n When a hydrant fails, the local volunteer fire department is notified, and first responders use the nearest operational hydrant in emergencies.<\/p>\n Castaneda assured that if a hydrant outage affects coverage, residents and businesses are notified through an all-call alert system or in-person visits. <\/p>\n Ernesto Salazar, a local barber shop owner, expressed concern over the infrastructure issues, stating, “I want to keep them safe… the infrastructure is needed in the community. And for [the hydrants] not to be working– this is a big high alert.”<\/p>\n El Paso County Commissioner Sergio Coronado previously raised concerns about unmaintained hydrants, citing alleged water pressure issues during the Flying J fire earlier in 2025.<\/p>\n Castaneda refuted these claims, stating the emergency was managed well despite the utility’s size. <\/p>\n