Dry Fire Hydrant Design 02 - Inspect the Pumper Surface
During the acceptance test of this DFH in Virginia, it quickly became clear that the surface could not support the weight of the pumper. It was a good thing that this was discovered during the acceptance test instead of during an incident. We thank Mike Armstrong for providing the photo.
By President Mark Davis
March 5, 2012
An important part of dry fire hydrant design is the surface on which the pumper is expected to sit while taking suction from the hydrant. In many cases, the surface is not an issue but...we must always still consider the factor of a heavy pumper sitting in one spot for perhaps several hours pumping in all weather conditions.
In those cases where a new dry fire hydrant is being installed and the installation includes a "pad" or other similar surface for the pumper to sit on, then that surface MUST be inspected before acceptance of the dry hydrant is granted.
For those FDs installing their own dry fire hydrants, please be sure to take into consideration where the pumper will need to sit in order take suction and be sure that the surface will accomodate the pumper's weight. This is especially true if road millings or gravel are being used for the surface.
