Rural Community Fire Protection Project - Statewide Indicative

USDA Forest Service

Each year thousands of dollars of damage is done to properties because of fire. Many rural areas do not have the adequate infrastructure for municipal water systems or pressurized fire hydrants. Having adequate sources of water year round for fire fighting is also a concern.

Installing dry fire hydrants strategically throughout a community is one way of aiding fire companies in their efforts. A dry fire hydrant is a non-pressurized systems that consists of: a hydrant head where a fire truck can attach its hose to draw water, a piping system to a water source (lake, pond, river, stream, etc.), and a strainer placed within the water source at a sufficient depth for adequate water withdrawal.

Farmers, homeowners, and landowners benefit by having easily accessible water close by in fire emergencies and also can possibly have insurance premiums lowered.