Firefighters may utilize different elements to fight a raging wildfire.  Obviously, however, firefighters prefer to use water.  The more water at their disposal, the more effectively they may suppress any flare-up threatening your home.  Streams, ponds, and backyard pools are just a couple the alternative sources of water.

Streams
Streams are good water sources and are located throughout the Douglas-fir/tanoak region. Streams can often be used as a reliable source for water, often with very little work. Some factors to consider when determining whether a stream is an adequate source of water include the flowing capacity and accessibility.

Many streams look as if they would provide an ample water supply but may need a second look by your local Fire Prevention Technician or Fire Prevention Specialist. When you are looking at the stream to evaluate its flowing capacity, it is important that you do this during the lowest flow. This lowest flow typically happens during the most active part of the local fire season.

Accessibility is also another issue to consider. For a stream to be considered a good water source, it needs to be accessible. Some features that will make your stream more accessible include having an all-weather road that approaches the stream, or having a flat surface that is capable of supporting a fire engine within 20 feet of the stream with no more than a 4 to 8 foot drop in elevation.

Ponds
Ponds, although not found locally in as great abundance as streams, can still be a great source of water. Determining the reliability of a pond as a water source depends on the volume, deposits in the water, and accessibility.

The carrying capacity of a pond is an extremely important factor when deciding if it is a viable source of water.  In particular, the minimum level of water held in a pond is the ultimate deciding factor.  The minimal level of water in the pond should be determined during the warmest part of the year.

Silt and debris tend to be a larger problem in ponds than in streams.  These deposits can reduce the effectiveness of the water and damage the equipment pumping the water. Planting fire resistant shrubs between the road and the pond can often reduce the amount of deposits entering the pond through runoff from the road.

As with streams, accessibility is a deciding factor with ponds.  Often ponds are surrounded by soft ground. In order for your pond to be considered a good water source, it needs to have a solid surface that is capable of supporting the type of heavy equipment often used in wildland firefighting situations.

Cisterns and Tanks
Many rural homes have water tanks set up as their primary water source. Homeowners should inform their local fire department of the water tanks location and inform them about the amount of water the tanks can hold. Water tanks are also often found on old farms and can be converted into a useful water source with a minimal investment.   These can be set in a way so they maintain a good water supply collected from rainwater, streams, wells, or lakes.

Location is also a major consideration. The location that you choose should provide a safe working environment - one that is free from loose branches and highly flammable vegetation - and should be easily accessible.

Swimming Pools
Swimming pools are becoming an increasingly common source for water in the wildland/urban interface. If you are planning on building a swimming pool, some structural considerations to consider include accessibility and structural soundness.

Accessibility is the biggest problem as many pools are located behind behind. A pool that can easily be approached with a fire engine or portable pump will prove to be the most effective. Check with the Fire Prevention Specialist for specific details on accessibility requirements.

Structural soundness is also a factor when deciding if a pool is a viable water source.  Many pools are constructed from lightly built cement and rock. This light cement and rock may not be structurally sound enough to support the type of equipment used in an emergency situation.  Check with a local engineer to determine the potential for structural failure during an emergency situation.
 

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