Fire Hydrants on Orcas Island

Every Hydrant Counts in Fire Suppression

Fire hydrants are critical lifelines during emergencies. A working hydrant can mean the difference between saving a home and losing it. That's why we need your help keeping them accessible and functional.

Orcas Island's Unique Water System

Our fire hydrants connect to multiple water sources across the island:

  • Eastsound Water Users Association serves the central areas

  • Various community water systems throughout different neighborhoods

  • Private water systems serving individual developments

  • Private residential hydrants on larger properties

This diversity means hydrant maintenance requires coordination between OIFR, water system operators, and property owners.

What We Do: Annual Hydrant Maintenance

Required Inspections

Every hydrant on Orcas Island gets checked annually for:

  • Cap removal - outlets must open easily for firefighters

  • Valve operation - hydrants must open and close smoothly

  • Proper drainage - prevents freezing in winter weather

  • Static pressure testing - ensures adequate water pressure

Flow Testing

Every four years, we conduct comprehensive flow tests to verify:

  • Available water flow rates under emergency conditions

  • System capacity during high-demand situations

  • Coordination with water providers for optimal performance

Why This Matters

These inspections are required by the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau - the organization that determines fire insurance ratings for our community. Proper hydrant maintenance helps keep insurance costs lower for everyone.

More importantly, working hydrants save lives and property when fire strikes.

How You Can Help

Keep Hydrants Accessible

Firefighters need immediate access in emergencies:

  • Trim vegetation around hydrants (3-foot clearance minimum)

  • Remove debris like leaves, branches, or equipment

  • Keep driveways and access routes clear to hydrants

  • Don't park within 15 feet of any hydrant

  • Avoid landscaping that blocks visibility from the road

Report Problems Immediately

If you notice any of these issues, contact us right away:

  • Damaged or broken hydrant components

  • Hydrants covered by brush or vegetation

  • Leaking or constantly running water

  • Hydrants blocked by vehicles, storage, or structures

  • Missing or damaged hydrant caps

  • Any other concerns about hydrant condition or access

Private Hydrants Need Attention Too

Some Orcas Island residents have private fire hydrants on their property connected to private water systems. These hydrants also need annual maintenance to ensure they'll work when needed.

Private hydrant owners should:

  • Schedule annual inspections with qualified technicians

  • Keep access clear year-round

  • Test operation periodically (with water system approval)

  • Report issues to both their water provider and OIFR

Working Together

Fire protection is a community effort. Water system operators, property owners, and OIFR all play essential roles in keeping hydrants ready for emergencies.

Your vigilance helps protect the entire island - a hydrant that saves your neighbor's home today might save yours tomorrow.

Report Hydrant Issues

See a problem with a fire hydrant? Don't wait - contact us immediately:

Phone: (360) 376-2331
Email: info@orcasfire.org
In Person: 45 Lavender Lane, Eastsound

Include in your report:

  • Exact location (address or nearby landmarks)

  • Nature of the problem (damage, obstruction, etc.)

  • Your contact information in case we need more details

We'll coordinate with the appropriate water system and property owners to resolve any issues quickly.

Community Partnership

Maintaining our fire hydrant network requires everyone's help. By keeping hydrants accessible and reporting problems, you're contributing to island-wide fire safety.

Thank you for being part of our fire protection team.