Vandals target Cokato fire hydrants, spilling 1 million gallons, firefighters say

COKATO, Minn. — Firefighters in a town west of the Twin Cities say vandals targeted its water supply, wasting more than a million gallons overnight Sunday.

The Cokato Fire Department says several fire hydrants were opened across the city while its crews were busy dealing with a serious car crash. Officials say the vandalism has led to water pressure issues at residences.

“This is not a joke, this is a serious matter and if minors are involved, they must be held accountable,” the department said in a Facebook post Wednesday. “Talk with your children, inform them that this is not a joke, this could harm the lives of not only our citizens but also our firefighters.”

Fire officials say this is not the first case of fire hydrant-related vandalism and warn that the parents of any minors involved could also face criminal charges.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Wright County Sheriff's Office at 763-682-7600.