Securing Water for Structural and Barn Fires
In rural areas, where farmsteads and rural properties are at risk of fires, securing a reliable water supply is crucial for effective firefighting. While local fire officials provide some water during emergencies, additional water is often needed, especially for structural and brush fires. This is where fire ponds come into play, making thousands of gallons of water readily available in emergencies. Maintaining fire ponds as rural water supplies safeguards lives and property and benefits the entire community.
Structural fires, such as house and barn fires, demand significant amounts of water for suppression. A minimum of 8,000 gallons is required to extinguish a fire in a 2,000-square-foot house, while barn fires necessitate more than 25,000 gallons, and time is of the essence: without access to water, a fire can double in size every 30 seconds. Fire ponds ensure an accessible water source to combat such emergencies.
Limitations of Municipal Water Systems
Public water supplies aren't immune to the laws of physics or the vagaries of nature. Even in large cities, supplies can fluctuate widely from season to season or within a single 24-hour period, creating unpredictable issues in providing adequate water for firefighting.
In a 2017 article in Fire Engineering Magazine, Tim Zehnder related a 2009 incident where his team faced a fire involving multiple commercial structures with common walls burning. Unfortunately, the town's water tower held only 50,000 gallons. In this case, with help from neighboring cities several miles away, they borrowed tanker trucks and water and ultimately hauled in over 300,000 gallons necessary to extinguish the fire.
In similar circumstances, a nearby fill site at a pond or lake could have simplified the efforts and improved response time. With the use of water augers, fire ponds and similar surface water sources can fill a 2000-gallon tanker in as little as 38 seconds, a significant improvement over trucking in water from miles away.
Water utilities and municipal systems, especially in smaller towns, have limitations in providing adequate water for firefighting. Fluctuating water pressure, limited water supply capacity, and infrastructure challenges pose obstacles during large-scale fire incidents. Additionally, water source reliability, especially in water-stressed regions like California, can impact water availability for firefighting purposes.
Regulations for Residential Fire Ponds
Regulations and best practices should be followed to ensure the effectiveness of residential fire ponds. These guidelines vary across jurisdictions, and it is essential to consult local authorities for specific requirements. Key considerations include verifying the reliability and capacity of water sources, installing necessary equipment such as fire pumps, and implementing measures to prevent the ingress of mud and sediment into the fire protection system.
Sustaining Fire Pond Functionality:
Maintaining fire ponds requires periodic inspections and proactive measures to address potential issues. Regular checks for freezing, silt and debris accumulation, and accessibility should be conducted. Furthermore, considering the impact of seasonal fluctuations, such as drought conditions, is crucial to ensure sustained water supply availability.
Accessing Water from a Fire Pond
There are several options when choosing how firefighters may access a residential or community fire pond. Each has pros and cons - you must evaluate your best option based on your site's unique characteristics.
Gravity Systems
Gravity systems are simple, easy-to-maintain systems that rely on the force of gravity to provide water flow. In ideal situations, gravity systems eliminate the need for pumps or power sources. To work, though, the water storage area (pond) must be located above the point where the water will be accessed. The lower the elevation difference, the lower the pressure and flow. Uneven terrain can also impact the function of a gravity system.
Dry Hydrants
Dry hydrants permanently connect to a fire pond or other water source, such as a river or well. Because dry hydrants do not maintain water in aboveground pipes when not in use, they do not freeze or burst in cold weather, making them most practical in cold regions. However, the lines must be completely airtight for firefighters to suction water from the water source through the dry pipelines. Maintenance requirements are relatively minimal, but failure to maintain a reliable seal can render a dry hydrant unusable.
Portable Pumps
Pumps offer considerable flexibility since they can be easily transported and connected to various water sources on the fly. This flexibility makes them ideal when fire conditions, terrain, and firefighting strategies change rapidly. They require a continuous power source, such as electricity or a generator, which may be challenging in extended or remote operations. These pumps also require regular maintenance and monitoring. Portable pumps may be an ideal compromise in communities where dry hydrants aren't suitable, and the land is too flat to support a gravity-fed system.
Residential fire ponds are vital in enhancing fire safety and water accessibility in rural areas. These ponds provide a reliable water source for firefighting, particularly in locations with limited municipal water systems. By adhering to regulations and implementing best practices, communities can maximize the effectiveness of fire ponds, protecting lives, properties, and the community's overall well-being.
Maintenance:
When it comes to fire pond maintenance, keeping streams and ponds clear of debris, silt, and erosion is crucial. Regular removal of debris, dredging, and silt excavation should be carried out to ensure unobstructed access to the pond's water.
Weeds and algae growth can impede water supply and damage firefighting equipment, but various methods exist to suppress them. Regular removal of silt and debris, bottom barriers such as geotextile liners, and using colorants to limit weed growth are practical approaches. It's important to note that chemical herbicides may kill plants but can leave behind lingering stems that obstruct the intake.
Integrating fire ponds with other uses, such as fishing, swimming, and irrigation, is highly beneficial. By adopting practices that support multiple purposes, the goal of maintaining access to thousands of gallons of additional water can be achieved while enhancing recreational and agricultural activities.
Access to a fire pond by large fire vehicles should be maintained year-round. Keep the access area level, stable, and free of obstructions. Reflective signs help the fire department locate the area with low visibility. Work with local fire departments to ensure your fire pond suits their needs and incorporate any local best practices.
