Canoga Park, CA – On December 22, 2023, at approximately 7:30 p.m., a vehicle lost control at the intersection of Saticoy Street and Canoga Avenue in Canoga Park, striking a fire hydrant and unleashing a massive geyser of water that flooded the area. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) arrived to find the intersection inundated, but efforts to shut off the water failed after attempting five different valves. The vehicle responsible fled the scene, hitting a parked car at a nearby gas station. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) took over six hours to stop the flow, causing significant traffic disruptions in the San Fernando Valley.
LAFD units from Fire Station 105 responded to reports of a hydrant collision at Saticoy and Canoga, finding a powerful stream of water shooting dozens of feet into the air, flooding the intersection and adjacent businesses, per an LAFD. Firefighters tried five valves to halt the flow, but the hydrant, likely part of an older water main, remained active, requiring DWP intervention. The DWP, arriving around 8:00 p.m., struggled with the shutoff, finally stopping the water at approximately 1:45 a.m. on December 23, over six hours later.
The vehicle, described as a dark-colored sedan, fled after striking the hydrant and subsequently hit a parked car at a gas station on Canoga Avenue, causing minor damage but no injuries. LAPD’s Topanga Division is investigating the hit-and-run, seeking surveillance footage from the gas station and nearby stores, but no suspects have been identified. The intersection was closed for hours, with traffic rerouted to Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Sherman Way, jamming the area during holiday travel. Motorists were advised to monitor news radio, per LAFD’s advisory. Contact LAPD Topanga at (818) 756-4800 with tips.
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