An Analysis for Additional Fire Hydrant Locations

In an effort to broaden its fire and rescue services, Cleveland County, North Carolina, used ArcGIS 9.1 software to analyze the economic feasibility of placing additional fire hydrants in the county based on existing residences, improvement value, population density, available water resources, and proximity to fire stations. Additional fire hydrants would not only improve fire and rescue services throughout the county but also benefit nearby property owners by securing their eligibility for lower insurance premiums. Using GIS, intersecting potential hydrant locations with an improvement valuation database can determine an annual insurance cost savings. In many cases, one year’s insurance premium savings could pay for the fire hydrants.

Indicated in dark blue on the map, a six-inch waterline or greater is required to provide adequate pressure for fire hydrants. More densely populated areas are indicated on the map in darker shades of green. A point symbol represents existing structures. Fire hydrant locations were obtained by collecting GPS coordinates.

Courtesy of Cleveland County, North Carolina.