|
Fire Protection in Rural Areas:
Dry Hydrants
Tragic fires can
occur anywhere, anytime. Having ready access to an ample supply of water
is critical in an emergency. Large cities provide pressurized hydrants
for use in fighting fires. In rural areas, however, small water systems
may not have enough water in reserve to fight a fire. Private wells can
seldom provide the necessary flow for firefighting. Ponds, streams, and
even wastewater treatment lagoons can be considered as a source of water
to combat a fire.
Dry hydrants
provide an easy access to fill tanker trucks regardless of weather. A
dry hydrant is a non-pressurized, low-cost pipe system installed along
the bank of a body of water. The top of the pipe extends above the
ground next to a body of water and the bottom of the pipe extends down
into the water. A minimum of two feet of water must be maintained over
the bottom of the pipe to assure year-round water supply.
Hydrant Installation Process
The
Elburn & Countryside Fire Prevention Bureau will perform a pond survey
after a water source for fire protection has been identified. A
water use easement agreement
between
the property owner(s) and the fire district is signed and filed with the
districts attorney and placed on file with Kane County. A location at
the water source is identified where the dry hydrant is to be installed
per the
Fire Prevention Bureau specifications.
The
dry hydrant installation
is
approved and installation can begin. When completed the dry hydrant is
tested and the location is permanently marked as a water source for fire
protection within the fire district. The
insurance benefit
to the
building owners is depending on the distance from the dry hydrant to the
nearest buildings.
Hydrant
Materials and Construction
The materials
needed for a dry hydrant include: 6-inch (or larger) schedule 40 PVC
pipe, hose connection compatible with local fire equipment, two
90-degree or 45-degree elbows, and a strainer with cap. The vertical
dimension is the most limiting. Water cannot be lifted by suction
greater than 20 feet. The hose connection must be positioned 2 feet from
the ground so it is accessible year-round, even in snow. Therefore, the
vertical length of pipe should extend down to a depth below frost line
but no deeper than 17 feet. Less than 10 feet is preferred. The
horizontal section of the pipe extends out from the bank and into the
water, secured 2 feet up off the bottom to avoid clogging with mud. The
pipe should be at least 3 feet below the anticipated water surface
during low water conditions to assure enough water to fight a fire. The
intake must be covered with a screen to keep debris out of the pipe.
Cost to install
a hydrant vary with the length of pipe used along with the labor and
equipment needed for excavation. To bring costs down, some groups
provide the labor as a community service.
Hydrant Location and Access
24 hour access
is critical for any emergency. The hydrant should be well marked and
next to an all-weather road. Access to the hydrant must have a minimum
width of 26 feet and a maximum grade of 8 percent. Place a sign next to
the hydrant. Remember, the area may be wet or even icy when it is needed
most, so consider placing gravel or other paving between the road and
the hydrant.
Hydrant Maintenance
Dry hydrants
require regular maintenance. Each hydrant should be inspected quarterly.
Clear away any trees and underbrush that may make it difficult to locate
or access the hydrant. Also check for aquatic plants or silt that could
clog the screen. Back flush the hydrant quarterly and conduct a pump
test. Regular inspections offer a great opportunity to train new fire
department personnel. If a dry hydrant is located on private property,
fire departments should get written permission at the time of
installation to access for inspections and emergencies.
The benefits of
installing dry hydrants at bodies of water in and around a community
include:
Plan ahead and
install dry hydrants as new ponds are constructed. It is always simpler
and cheaper to install a dry hydrant as the pond is being built.
|
|
|
 |
Click on design for printable detail |
|
|
|
For More Information
National Fire Protection Association.
Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting.
NFPA Standard 1142. |
