Comments on: Ask Mike: Putting out fires

By: Pradeep

Pradeep — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:27:14 +0000

Yeah an outlet of water which is mounted on a pressurized with couplings made to accept the fire hose couplings that are used by fire fighters, do not blame the hollywood straight away Mr. Mike ( I am an Indian and not a hollywood fan) as someone above said there are two types of hydrants namely Dry Barrel and Wet Barrel, the one you were discussing about is Dry Barrel commonly used at the regions where the temperature can reach to freezing levels) Wet Barrel is always filled with water and if hitted by a vehicle it can act as a fountain.
Interesting chapter since I am in Fire Protection bsns.

By: yidoeno

yidoeno — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:07:35 +0000

I have seen a “Hydrant Fountain” myself, and I am not from Hollywood! In addition to this, it is my first day being set up on “Answers”. After reading the comments on this (only), can anyone tell me if it is standard for everyone to be so nit-picky and for so many to come across as being superior to the next? If so I have come to the wrong place for sure!

By: paulo

paulo — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:51:33 +0000

is agle

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:39:30 +0000

There are both wet barrel and dry barrel hydrants. Wet barrel are cheaper and when sheared from the ground result in the hollywood fountian. Dry barrel hydrants are used anywhere they may be subject to freezing (ie most of the country except so-cal and miami). In those, the valve is at least 3 feet underground. When a car hits those…nothing really spectacular happens.

jess – those who put out fires prefer to be called ‘fireFIGHTERs’ as ‘firemen’ as the guys who shovel coal into the firebox of a steam locomotive.

Bob James – FYI there is also a fourth component of fire, the chemical reaction. There are chemicals that are used to fight fire that interupt the chemical reaction, thereby extinguishing the fire.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:06:36 +0000

I always wondered what those valves on the fire trucks were for. I didn’t realize they were to regulate the fire pressure

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:15:07 +0000

I gotta say, as an 18 year veteran paid “FIREFIGHTER”, that some people are WAY too touchy about the difference between Engines Trucks, Rescues, etc. How about focusing on the TOPIC, people!! The person was simply explaining the concept of a fire hydrant!! He is incorrect on one aspect and one only….that the hydrant never has water in the “barrel”. There are 2 types of fire hydrants, a wet barrel, and a dry barrel. The wet barrel is used when the temperatures fall below freezing, so there is a valve below street level that is operated by the “nut” on top of the hydrant. By turning it, you are turning a long threaded rod that is connected to this valve below. In warmer climates, such as California, there are “wet barrel” hydrants that have individual valves for each discharge opening. So if they’re struck by a car, they WILL spew forth a plethora of agua in a HURRY!! I hope that this helps some misunderstandings, and for the rest of you that get all bent out of shape about “firemen” “, “firetrucks”, “engines”, “pumpers”, etc…….LIGHTEN UP!!!! Jeeeez!!!

By: Edward

Edward — Mon, 19 May 2008 10:06:25 +0000

Mike,

The Cornell article didn’t distinguish between wet-pipe and dry-pipe hydrants.

Dry-pipe are the type where no water is in the barrel, as it is stored underground in a pipe to prevent freezing (as you stated).

However, in many other places with a warmer climate (California for example), wet-pipe hydrants are used where the water is indeed stored in the barrel. These are the ones that create a geyser when knocked over (it’s not just Hollywood b.s.).

By: thenemo1

thenemo1 — Mon, 19 May 2008 08:05:42 +0000

Very few homes have the pressure or volume to put out a large fire so how can someone ask what fire hydrents are for.

By: Graham

Graham — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:41:48 +0000

It’s nice to know that a fire hydrant is nearby just in case.

By: blue_cat_tours

blue_cat_tours — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:45:25 +0000

Mike,
The firefighters need those to put out fires.
and they don’t appreciate people parking in front of them.
Last December a restaurant got burned down
but while putting out the fire they had to use their hose hook it up

Several years ago a police car was parked in front of one.