Orange County hydrants undergo routine testing, but rare malfunction proves costly

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Published  December 20, 2024 9:51pm EST
FOX 35 Orlando
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Orange County hydrants undergo routine testing

Orange County oversees approximately 12,200 fire hydrants, which are tested at least twice a year, according to utilities field services manager Troy Layton. The inspections, conducted by both Orange County Utilities and Orange County Fire and Rescue, follow standards set by the National Fire Protection Association.

The Brief

    • Orange County tests its 12,200 fire hydrants twice a year to ensure proper function, with failures being rare. 
    • In October, a fire hydrant near Wendy Chen’s home malfunctioned due to a corroded internal part, delaying firefighting efforts and resulting in the loss of her home. 
    • Officials called the issue an isolated incident and pledged to continue rigorous inspections to prevent future failures.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Orange County oversees approximately 12,200 fire hydrants, which are tested at least twice a year, according to utilities field services manager Troy Layton. 

The inspections, conducted by both Orange County Utilities and Orange County Fire and Rescue, follow standards set by the National Fire Protection Association.  

Crews demonstrated the process on Friday, inspecting hydrants to ensure smooth operation, proper water flow, and no leaks. Layton noted that hydrants out of service are rare, accounting for less than 1% of the total.  

But Wendy Chen faced the unfortunate exception in October when a fire engulfed her home. County officials later confirmed the hydrant closest to her property wasn’t working due to an internal malfunction caused by a corroded component, undetected until the emergency.  

"It’s really not an easy feeling; [I] just stood there and watched the fire grow." Chen said. "I hope I am and will be the only one that suffers through this."  

Layton explained that while the hydrant had been tested twice earlier in the year, including an internal inspection, no impairments were identified. 

"This was a rare condition," he said.  

Officials emphasized that such failures are exceedingly uncommon and reaffirmed their commitment to rigorous testing to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Source: Information taken from Orange County Utilities and Orange County Fire and Rescue.

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