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    working in partnership to make Dorset safer

What is a fire hydrant?

As you go about your daily life you probably pass at least one fire hydrant as there are over 13,000 in Dorset alone.
 
Contrary to popular belief they are not the above ground pillar type hydrants as seen in America and other countries, but are installed underground.  You may be familiar with above ground yellow marker posts used to identify the location and size of the water main, however the hydrant is located in a chamber underground.  It requires a standpipe to access the water supply and turn it on rather like a tap. The lid of the hydrant pit is marked with the letters F.H.
 
Please take care not to park your vehicle over a fire hydrant as it could be needed in an emergency at any time.

What are they used for?

They are used to either supplement the water supply for fire fighting or to supply/refill the water tank of a fire appliance.

The Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) has a statutory duty to ensure that all reasonable measures are taken to ensure there is an adequate supply of water and to ensure its availability for use in case of a fire.  Therefore ensuring fire hydrants are in good working order is very important. 
 
An example of a Fire Hydrant Marker Plate and Lid/Cover
 
An example of a Marker Post and Hydrant Lid/Cover
Marker
 
 
Hydrant Lids/Covers
 
 
These covers may be found in the footpath, roadway or in the verge.

Fire hydrant Marker plates can be seen fixed to a post, wall or lamp Standard.

Fire Hydrant Maintenance

Dorset  Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) have approximately 13,000 Fire Hydrants spread throughout the county. It is our responsibility to ensure that these Hydrants are kept serviceable and available for use in the event of a fire.

Relocating Fire Hydrant Markers

On occasions, Fire Hydrant Markers may be relocated.  (For example, when a property owner wishes to remove a boundary wall.) 

For requests concerning the relocation of a Fire Hydrant marker post, please telephone 01305 252633 or email tomina.collier@dorsetfire.gov.uk.

Testing and/or Inspection

Fire Hydrants shall be subject to a test/inspection. There are two types of inspection, involve:

  • Above ground inspection:
    The Hydrant frame, cover, and the surrounding surface are checked for damage. The hydrant marker post is checked to see if the information shown is correct and is clearly visible. Any overgrowth 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, the pit itself may require clearing of silt or debris which may affect the delivery of water for fire fighting purposes. The hydrant is also ‘wet tested’ to ensure the hydrant is working properly. They may also be tested for water pressure and flow.
  

More Information about Hydrants

Hydrant Installation and Maintenance

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service has approximately 15,000 fire hydrants spread throughout the county. It is our responsibility to ensure that these hydrants are kept in a serviceable state and advise the Water Authorities of the positioning of any new hydrants.

Inspections are carried out at set intervals determined by risk assessment by our Fire Hydrant Technicians. They will repair or replace defective hydrants, pits or indicator posts. Major work is reported to the appropriate Water Authority for repair or replacement.

When a new development is planned Dorset Fire & Rescue Service determine the risk and recommend the number and position of fire hydrants required to the appropriate Water Authority.

If you have any concerns regarding fire hydrants please contact us below giving as accurate a location as is possible and details of your concern.

Ian Crabb - Water Officer - 01305 252740 wo@dorsetfire.gov.uk 

or

Tomina Collier- Operational Assets Administrator - 01305 252633 tomina.collier@dorsetfire.gov.uk.