Protecting My Property From Fire
According to Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, the two most important steps that you can take to protect your home against wildfires are (1) to replace any vents on the exterior of your home that are not ember-resistant, and (2) to remove landscaping and other combustible material from the first five feet around all structures.
Some properties have a dedicated water meter for a fire protection system, located in the general vicinity of the domestic water meter. While some infrequent water use can be expected due to system testing, any leak discovered in the fire line must be promptly repaired to ensure your system will help protect your home in an emergency. Failing to maintain it properly may increase both property loss exposures and life-safety risks in the event of a fire. Please call OMWD if you are unable to make the repair promptly. You may need to schedule a plumber, leak detection expert, or fire protection system specialist.
There are private businesses in San Diego County that provide a variety of fire protection services (e.g., spraying fire-blocking gels, wrapping structures, and fuel removal, both prior to and during active fire events). Customers that choose to use these services should be aware of the restrictions and requirements as they pertain to the water system.
Notably, private firefighting businesses are generally prohibited from using OMWD’s fire hydrants. OMWD hydrants may only be accessed by OMWD personnel, OMWD customers that have been issued a temporary construction meter, public fire protection agencies, owners of properties on which private hydrants are located, or a qualified insurance resource, in accordance with California Civil Code § 1882.1. All other use of fire hydrants, including by private firefighting businesses, is strictly prohibited without explicit permission from OMWD’s General Manager or Incident Commander during an emergency in accordance with OMWD’s Administrative and Ethics Code § 9.9.
Additionally, these services must adhere to rules established in the California Code of Regulations (19 CCR § 2470.2) for private fire prevention resources during an emergency.
A variety of fire prevention/suppression devices and systems are available for customers to install at their home or business. These include roof-mounted sprinkler systems, specialized pumps to allow pool water to be used for firefighting, or tanks that contain chemical fire retardants.
A cross-connection hazard assessment is required before a device of this nature is installed, and prior to any changes in the activities or materials on a user’s premises. The assessment is to determine the degree of hazard posed by the device, and to specify the minimum acceptable backflow prevention assembly required.
Additionally, a hazard assessment is required if evidence exists of changes in the activities or materials on a user’s premises, including the installation, modification, or planned installation or modification of a fire protection or fire suppression system on the premises.
OMWD may require submission of plans, specifications, and/or a completed cross-connection questionnaire for review in accordance with OMWD’s Cross-Connection Control Policy.
Accounts not in compliance may be subject to the discontinuance of water service, legal action, and/or fines by OMWD.
All fire hose connections on OMWD lines are the property of OMWD. The expense of additional fire connections or hydrants is the responsibility of the fire department/district or property owners concerned, except by specific agreement and with approval of OMWD’s Board of Directors. Fire hydrants must be of a type approved by the local fire department/district and must be installed in accordance with OMWD specifications.
Fire detector check assemblies are owned by the customer. The customer shall be responsible for the fire detector check assembly, including maintenance and testing. OMWD shall meter water consumption at each fire detector check, and shall maintain the fire detector check’s bypass water meter and radio transmitting unit.
Taking of water from OMWD fire hydrants or other appurtenances without the OMWD’s prior authorization or consent is considered stealing and is expressly prohibited. OMWD may discontinue water service, pursue legal action, and/or impose fines on offenders.
Each incident of water used without OMWD’s prior authorization or consent shall be subject to the associated fine in accordance with Government Code 53069.45 and 53069.46. In addition, an offender will pay for the cost of water stolen.
Penalties may exceed several thousand dollars for each incident, and OMWD will also contact law enforcement to press charges for violations of Penal Code 498/625.