Joliet Fire Department to Begin Fire Hydrant Testing
Beginning on Monday April 1, the Joliet Fire Department will be beginning its annual fire hydrant testing. According to a City of Joliet press release, the testing will take place throughout the week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The hydrant testing is expected to last about six weeks, barring any drastic changes in temperature.
In the event of a large unexpected fire, it may become necessary to use more than one fire hydrant. For this reason all related fire hydrants must be tested and exercised. According to spectrumforfireprotection.com, annual fire hydrant inspection is necessary to ensure two primary things, the flowing pressure and the static pressure.
The pressure of water flow is important to deliver the water needed to put out a fire. If the pressure is inadequate, putting out a fire would be nearly impossible. Additionally, over time pipes tend to experience blockage by rocks and other clogging agents. In the event of an emergency, accumulated rocks will affect the functionality of the hydrant. Another issue that may arise over time is the jamming of the opening valve for the hydrant. If a valve becomes jammed it may impact the precious time available to put out a fire and save lives.
According to the City’s press release the hydrant will begin testing in these areas:
Station #4 (868 Draper Ave.)
The geographical area bounded by Woodruff Rd to the North, Gougar Rd to the East, Cass St to the South, and Collins St to the West
Station #5 (661 Mason Ave.)
The geographical area bounded by Theodore St. to the North, the Desplaines River to the East, I-80 to the South, and Larkin Ave to the West
Station #8 (2293 Essington Rd.)
The geographical area bounded by W. Renwick Rd to the North, Infantry Dr to the East, Black Rd to the South, and Bronk Rd to the West
According to the City’s press release, the Fire Department will take precautions to reduce the impact of rusty water. The City will provide a chemical that removes rust from clothes in a washing machine. The chemical will be available at any Fire Station. For more information call the Water Department at (724-4220) or the Joliet Fire Department (724-3500).
