Fire safety concerns spark call for hydrant flow testing

During a recent safety committee meeting, discussions highlighted ongoing maintenance efforts at the local jail, where trustees are engaged in various housekeeping tasks, including painting curbs and fire hydrants. A significant concern raised was the lack of recent flow testing for the fire hydrants on the property, with committee members unable to recall when such testing last occurred.

The fire chief, present for a building inspection, noted that the responsibility for testing the hydrants falls to the city of Ottawa. However, the water department clarified that they only conduct flow tests on public property and do not extend this service to private properties, including the jail.

In response to this gap in service, a committee member expressed the intention to seek out a private company capable of conducting the necessary flow tests. This proactive measure aims to ensure that in the event of a fire, the hydrants on the property will function effectively, providing essential water flow for emergency response.