Dry Fire Hydrant Design #31 - Bridge Mount Installation - Essex, Connecticut
By President Mark Davis
December 12, 2019
On December 12th we installed two of our bridge-mount dry fire hydrants in the Village of Ivoryton, Connecticut. The project was sponsored by the Essex Fire Engine Co #1 and is part of their water supply plan for the village area. The bridge is owned by the town so permissions were easily obtained and the installation process occurred without a "hitch."
The water source at this bridge is excellent and comes from the Falls River as part of an old mill race. The water is clean and flow is strong. The intent of the installation is to allow a pumper to draft using dual suctions and pump water back to the village area using dual, 5-inch lines. There are a number of very old and large wood frame structures in the village so this water supply source is pretty important.
Engine 5 was used for the flow tests. The rig is outfitted as a "big water" rig; it is equipped with a 2250 gpm Hale fire pump and can lay dual, 2000-ft 5-inch lines! Engine 5 also uses cam lock fittings on all of its suction hose which makes it really easy to make and break connections using just one person. Check out our Facebook page to see some of the live videos that we posted on installation day.
