1.
Why are the tops of fire hydrants painted different colors?
Most fire departments
utilize a standard developed by the National Fire Protection Association to
indicate the amount of flow recorded in gallons which each hydrant produces.
Red- 500 GPM or less
Orange- 500-999 GPM
Green-1000-1499 GPM
Blue-1500 GPM or greater
2.
Can I plant shrubbery or flowers around the hydrant in my yard?
The International Fire Code
requires at least a 3-foot clear space to be maintained around fire hydrants.
Other obstructions such as posts, fences, trash or vehicles shall not inhibit
the ability of the fire department to access the fire hydrant, fire department
connection or any type of control device for fire protection services.
3. Do I
need a burning permit to burn on my property?
The Glassy Mountain Fire
Department does not require the issuance of a permit for open burning but does
ask that notifications be made to GMFD Headquarters at 864.895.4306. We ask
those who burn to maintain no less than 50’ from any structure, to maintain a
fire watch until the fire is out and to have a means of extinguishing the fire
(operable garden hose, water fire extinguisher, dirt or sand).
There are a number of
agencies in the State of South Carolina with oversight in open burning
activities and it is strongly suggested their information is checked for
complying with open burning regulations. These agencies include:
a.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental
Services has responsibilities in air quality management and as such certain
items such as shingles, tires, paper, etc. may not be burned. For more
information, contact DHEC Bureau of Air Quality at 803.898.4123 or at
www.scdhec/baq.
b.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission has
responsibilities over the prevention and spread of wildfires within the state.
SC Law contains precautions regarding open burning including that notification
of the burn be made to the SC Forestry Commission. The contact number for open
burning in Greenville County is 1.800.986.5299. The SC Forestry Commission site
pertaining to burning is
www.state.sc.us/forest/fire.htm
4. What does a Red Flag
alert mean?
A Red Flag alert issued by
the South Carolina Forestry Commission indicates conditions are favorable for
the rapid spread of fire. Red Flag alerts are typically issued during periods of
high temperature, low humidity and increased wind speeds. Red Flag alerts are
issued to warn the public of the danger of open burning and to ask the burning
be delayed until conditions improve. The Governor of South Carolina, in
conjunction with the South Carolina State Forester, may issue complete burning
bans when conditions warrant.
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