Keep Fire Hydrants Accessible and Visible

The Grand Junction Fire Department wants to remind everyone of their responsibility to keep fire hydrants visible and accessible to firefighters. Grand Junction Ordinance 3319, and Resolution No. 132-00 charge the Grand Junction Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau with enforcement of the 2000 International Fire Code. The International Fire Code places responsibility squarely on the property owner to keep the vegetation and landscaping maintained at all times so as not to impede the clear visibility of the hydrant from all approach directions.

The International Fire Code states that posts, fences, vehicles, growth, trash,storage, and other materials or things shall not be placed or kept near fire hydrants fire department inlet connections or fire-protection system control valves in a manner that would prevent such equipment or fire hydrants from being immediately discernable. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining access to fire-protection equipment or hydrants. The IFC also states that grass, brush, and other vegetation shall be kept trimmed and neat. Vegetation shall be cleared for a minimum 3 foot (0.9 m) radius from around hydrants.

If a fire were to occur at a resdience served by a hydrant with limited visibility or clearance, fire fighters often have to waste time probing the bushes or bypassing obstacles to gain access. By the time a water supply is established, the effective period for an initial attack on the fire is long past. While many residents comply with our requests to maintain clearance around, and access to hydrants as required by law, a growing number are ignoring this responsibility. If you have a fire hydrant on your property please maintain and adhere to the code.

If you find a fire hydrant that is obstructed, broken, or have questions about fire hydrant maintenance please contact the Grand Junction Fire Department at (970)244-1400.