(a) When Required. Whenever the ground area of the premises of an industrial plant, tank farm, lumber yard, storage area for combustible material, amusement park, exhibition park or other occupancy involving the use of large ground area exceeds fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet, and whenever the area of a lumber shed on any premises exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet aggregate area, and such premises are so located or arranged that efficient firefighting cannot be carried on from existing public hydrants, the Fire Chief may require the installation of yard hydrants by the owner of the premises in conformity with the provisions of this section.
(b) Number Required.
(1) One (1) yard hydrant shall be provided for each twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of ground area and such hydrants shall be spaced not more than two hundred fifty (250) feet apart.
(2) Yard hydrants in lumber yards shall be spaced not more than two hundred fifty (250) feet apart and shall be in such number and so located that streams therefrom, when used in first-aid or Fire Division firefighting, shall reach all areas on the premises, including those within lumber sheds.
Every required yard hydrant within a lumber yard shall be equipped with attached hose kept within a hose house.
(c) Hose Houses.
(1) When deemed necessary by the Chief or required by this Fire Prevention Code, hose houses or cabinets containing an adequate supply of rubber-lined cotton hose, two and one-half (2-1/2) inch in size and not less than one hundred (100) feet long, shall be maintained attached to the yard hydrant or hydrants and arranged or laid within a hose house ready for use at any time.
(2) Hydrants, hose, hose connections and nozzles shall conform to Fire Division standard.
(3) Hose houses shall be painted red with the words “Fire Hose” six (6) inches high in white letters on the door.
(d) Water Supply.
(1) Where adequate pressure and capacity exist, yard hydrants may be connected to the public water supply. Where the public water supply is deemed inadequate by the Chief, such yard hydrants shall be supplied either from a gravity tank of not less than fifty thousand (50,000) gallons capacity elevated so that the bottom of the tank is at least seventy-five (75) feet above the highest grade level within the area protected or at least twenty-five (25) feet above the highest structure in the area; or from a fire pump with a capacity of not less than one thousand (1,000) gallons a minute drawing from a suction tank of not less than sixty thousand (60,000) gallons capacity; or from another approved source which will provide an adequate supply of water for firefighting purposes.
(2) When water supply is taken from a well, stream, lake or other source approved by the Division, the installation and arrangement shall also be approved by the Commissioner of Water and Heat. No connection shall be made which may result in a cross- connection between the public mains and the water drawn from other sources.
(3) Yard hydrant systems connected to City water mains shall be provided with post indicator valves located in accessible positions. Post indicator valves shall be sealed or locked in the open position, be painted red and their purpose shall be plainly marked upon them.
(e) Monitor Nozzle and First-Aid Hose. Whenever the occupancy is of unusual hazard the Chief may require the installation of a monitor nozzle with remote control, connected to such yard hydrant system. Where unusual hazards exist and where first-aid firefighting equipment is deemed necessary by him or her, he or she may also require the installation of one and one-half inch (1-1/2) first-aid hose mounted on approved racks and connected to piping not less than two (2) inches in size.
(f) Special Fire Extinguishing Equipment. Storage areas for storing flammable liquids in above- ground tanks, refineries and high hazard occupancies shall also be equipped with other fire extinguishing equipment required by this Code.
(Ord. No. 991-49. Passed 6-27-49, eff. 6-27-49)