At the regular Commission meeting on Monday, March 14, 2016, the Mayor and City Commissioners approved the Private Fire Hydrant Ordinance. The ordinance was created to address fire hydrants located on private property. A private fire hydrant is a valved connection to a water main for the purpose of supplying water to a fire hose or other fire protection apparatus and that is not located within the right of way of the City of Douglas.
The purpose of the ordinance is to provide standards and requirements for the inspection, testing, maintenance, correction and repair of fire hydrants located on private property within the city limits. In the event of fire or other emergency, this will ensure that every private fire hydrant to which the Fire Department connects will function as designed to produce the water necessary to respond appropriately to the fire or other emergency and protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the City of Douglas.
Responsibility for properly maintaining a private fire hydrant shall be that of the owner of the property or the owner’s designee. Inspections, testing, maintenance, or other repairs shall be performed by qualified maintenance personnel or qualified contractor. The owner or designee shall notify the Fire Department before testing or shutting down a private fire hydrant or its water supply. The owner is responsible for correcting or repairing any deficiencies or damaged parts within 30 days of inspection.
For more information or full ordinance, please call 912-389-3423 or visit our website at www.cityofdouglas.com.
