The Law – Fire Hydrants

RBFRS have a statutory duty to take all reasonable measures to ensure there is an adequate supply of water and that it is available for use in case of a fire.

We carry out inspections of all statutory fire hydrants in the county, prioritised by risk, to make sure they work properly.

Our inspection / maintenance programme includes testing, repairing and defecting hydrants, consulting with the water supply companies, and assisting developers with the planning of new water mains and hydrant locations.

All hydrants are also shown on a digital mapping system available in the fire appliances so that the nearest one can be identified while firefighters are on their way to an incident. This means that even if a marker plate is missing, broken, or covered, our crews will still be able to find the fire hydrant in most cases, and once reported the markers will be repaired as soon as possible.

As part of our ongoing maintenance programme we undertake the following

Above ground inspection:

The hydrant frame, and cover, and the surrounding surface is checked for damage. The hydrant marker post is checked to see if the information shown is correct and is clearly visible. Any overgrown vegetation is cut back, and the post and lid may require re-painting.

Below ground inspection:

This involves checking the hydrant pit and the hydrant itself. It is checked for leakage and the pit may require clearing of silt or debris which may affect the delivery of water for firefighting purposes. The hydrant is also ‘wet tested’ to ensure the hydrant is working properly.

Wet pressure test

We open the hydrant valve to check its operating correctly.  We also check for any leakage not evident when the hydrant was closed. A small amount of water is released to check the delivery, minimising the amount of water run to waste and potential water supply issues.

Although we do not flow or pressure test the fire hydrants in line with the National Guidance document 2007 (NGD), we do, on occasions, flush the fire hydrant to ensure that it opens and closes with ease for the crews to use.

Any specific requests to flow or pressure test a fire hydrant must be put in writing to the Water Authority for the area.

Data recording

We collect information about the fire hydrant, its location, inspections, and any defects/repairs. Details are checked on each inspection and amended if required.

It is illegal to use a fire hydrant to obtain water for purposes other than firefighting, unless authorised by the water authority or other person to whom the hydrant belongs.

Persons found to be using fire hydrants without the appropriate authorisation are liable to prosecution by the water undertaker.

Unauthorised access to the hydrant pit is not allowed.

You may also be liable to prosecution if you cause damage to or obstruct a fire hydrant.