Anthony Zampella Jr.

While driving around a typical tree-lined residential neighborhood, have you ever wondered how much water is needed to protect that area from fire? Did you know that greater emphasis is often placed on the rate of flow for commercial and mixed-use areas, even though residential areas generally occupy more space and have greater population density? Do you ever consider how the distance between hydrants could cause a delay in fire department operations?

Fire hydrants located in geographic areas that experience severe and prolonged winter climate conditions need additional attention to prevent failure. Making sure of their operation year round requires constant maintenance and a comprehensive fire flow testing program. As national water resources manager for ISO Community Hazard Mitigation, I’m privileged to travel the country and work with water resource professionals and emergency services departments on a wide range of water issues—and hydrants are a primary topic.

The fire service is known for its traditions. One such tradition is the time-honored commissioning of new fire apparatus with a good old-fashioned wetdown.

This past August, I had the rare opportunity to combine work, fitness, and charitable support — not a bad trifecta.