In-Demand Private Fire Hydrants: A New Trend Among Affluent Homeowners

Amidst the raging wildfires that have plagued Southern California, the demand for private fire protection systems is at an all-time high, especially among affluent homeowners. The recent devastation of the Palisades fire prompted Cassandra Riera, a Malibu resident, to take proactive measures to protect her home. Before evacuating, she carefully prepared her property, soaked the plants in her yard, moved flammable patio furniture indoors, and connected her private fire hydrant to two long hoses left coiled on the ground.

Riera, an attorney, invested in the personal hydrant system three years ago after being informed by her local fire brigade that her side of the street lacked a public hydrant. Despite the initial cost of $1,350 for the hydrant system and an additional $1,136 for installation, Riera believes it is a small price to pay compared to the potential loss of property or lives. Her decision proved critical when she returned home to find her house in the Big Rock neighborhood still standing, thanks to the hydrant that had been used by a neighbor to extinguish spot fires on her property.

The trend of private fire hydrants has gained momentum as homeowners realize the limitations of relying solely on public infrastructure during fire emergencies. The recent depletion of water in public hydrants in Pacific Palisades due to empty storage tanks has further fueled the demand for private firefighting solutions. Companies offering personal hydrants have reported a surge in sales, with customers across California investing in these systems to protect their homes.

Barry McConaghey, a former firefighter and owner of FireHoseDirect, shared that the company received numerous orders for private hydrants, with deliveries to various locations including Malibu, Westlake Village, and San Diego. The affordability and ease of installation of these systems have made them an attractive option for homeowners seeking additional fire protection. With prices varying based on configuration, homeowners can customize their hydrant setup to meet their specific needs.

David Whitman, owner of Brushfire Battle Systems, emphasized the importance of private hydrants in augmenting firefighting efforts during emergencies. While public hydrants may be located at a distance, private hydrants provide homeowners with immediate access to a controlled water source. Whitman highlighted the surge in demand for pool pumps and private hydrants, indicating a growing awareness among homeowners about the need for proactive fire preparedness measures.

The visibility and permitting guidelines for private hydrants vary by location, but in general, they must be distinct from public hydrants to ensure easy identification. Private hydrants, painted red in Los Angeles County, serve as a crucial tool for trained professionals during firefighting operations. Fire protection engineer Nathan Wittasek emphasized the importance of private hydrants in reducing response time and enhancing firefighting efficiency, particularly in areas prone to wildfires.

The rise of private fire hydrants as a sought-after amenity among affluent homebuyers reflects a growing trend towards proactive fire protection measures. Aaron Kirman, founder of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California, noted an increased interest in private hydrants among prospective buyers. While private hydrants are not a panacea for all fire-related risks, they provide homeowners with an additional layer of protection in the face of escalating wildfire threats.

For homeowners like Cassandra Riera, the investment in a private fire hydrant has proven invaluable in safeguarding their properties. Despite the challenges posed by wildfires, the sense of security provided by these systems offers peace of mind during times of crisis. As Riera looks towards the future, she is determined to further enhance her fire protection measures, underscoring the importance of proactive preparedness in the face of unpredictable disasters.