Rural Fire Protection – Dry
Hydrants
A dry hydrant is a non-pressurized pipe system that is permanently installed in an existing lake, pond or stream to allow a fire truck to pump water to a rural fire scene. There are several important factors to determine areas appropriate for dry hydrant installation.
Why Are Dry Hydrants Needed? Many rural areas lack adequate water for fire protection. Fire departments must be able to deliver large volumes of water to fire scenes. The travel distance to fill up points is critical to the fire fighting capabilities of a fire department. Effective placement of dry hydrants in rural areas can reduce the travel time between fire scenes and the water source.
What Can Dry Hydrants Do For You? A well planned and designed dry hydrant water deliver system can improve the fire fighting capability of rural fire departments, save fuel, and reduce operation costs. Dry fire hydrant systems ensure an adequate water supply in areas where conventional fire protection is not available. Without the availability to deliver large volumes of water to the fire scene, even the best fire departments are hampered trying to prevent loss of property and lives. The hydrants conserve energy by using raw surface water instead of treated drinking water, and they save time by reducing the travel distance between a water source and a fire scene. In addition, adequate water supplies can reduce fire loss, save lives and lower insurance costs. Improved fire protection can stimulate economic growth by making an area more attractive to homeowners and developers.
Benefits of Dry Hydrants:
- Improve Fire Protection
- Conserves Water (raw vs. treated)
- Saves Money
- Saves Energy
- Lowers Operating Expenses
- May Lower Insurance Premiums
The Green Hills RC&D Council is the statewide leader in dry hydrant installations. Currently over 250 dry fire hydrants have been installed in north central and northwest Missouri.
For more information or to receive a brochure contact the RC&D Office.
More information links for fire departments: Check out the new grant opportunities for fire department. www.usfa.fema.gov
