Testing of fire hydrants through the municipalities of Carrollton and North Carrolton, along with painting and mapping of each hydrant, are top priorities of the Carrollton/North Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department (CNCVFD). The beginning of painting the hydrants all red in color, per the National Fire Protection Association began last week by the CNCVFD.
Along with painting the hydrants, there was at some locations dirt leveled and dug from around the hydrants. It’s the goal of the CNCVFD to have all preparation made for the event of a fire, because time is valuable. This makes the preparations even more important where water for extinguishing the fire can be made close to the fire scene.
CNCVFD Chief Andy Vining said, “By code the hydrants will be painted the original color at their rated gallons per minute (GPM) which is 500 GPM and should be color-coded red to indicate such ongoing pressure.”
In the town of Carrollton last week, the firemen divided into two groups using Truck 24 and Truck 26. One group covered the eastern side of the town from Mississippi Hwy 17 back toward Carroll Academy, and the other group covering the western side of the town from Mississippi Highway 17 back on the side of the courthouse. The map of Carrollton’s fire hydrants was provided to the CNCVFD by City Clerk Linda McGregor, and the list of North Carrollton’s fire hydrants was provided by City Clerk Glynnis Taylor.
Carrollton Mayor Pam Lee said, “One good way to become familiar with hydrant locations is to check the pressure and make sure the color code is correct. We appreciate the dedication of these men to help keep the towns safe.”
The CNCVFD has plans to begin the Town of North Carrollton’s painting of fire hydrants. There has been in previous weeks a location of all the hydrants, and marking with red paint the top of each hydrant which is in working use in North Carrollton. According to the list obtained from North Carrollton City Hall there are several that were first put down in the sixties and are in operation today. There have been more hydrants added through the years since then. Willis Engineering recently prepared a water system feasibility study for the town of North Carrollton that included in Exhibit 5 of the report the fire hydrants the town operates connected to the existing water main.
