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Fire
flow is water required for fire fighting purposes, usually a
system of underground piping and fire hydrants.
The International Fire Code, as adopted by Cowlitz
County, requires fire flow to be provided for most residential
and all commercial properties.
Fire flow is often installed when building lots are
created, but when required, will always need to be in place
prior to construction of a building or use of the property. Fire flow usually consists of fire hydrants properly located
on a public water line, but could also be smaller public or
private water supplies or systems.
How
much water is required?
Residential buildings up to
3,500 square feet usually
require a minimum of 500 gallons per minute (g.p.m.) for a
minimum of 30 minutes. Larger
homes and commercial properties require additional fire flow
based on the size and use of the site.
The minimum fire flow for these properties is 1,500 g.p.m.
for a minimum of two hours with increases for large buildings.
Fire flow must be provided at a minimum of 20 p.s.i.
Exceptions:
Cowlitz
County provides some exemptions for residential lots such
as:
-
If
your lot is in excess on one acre
in size and your building does not exceed
3,500 sq. ft. in area, you may be exempt from fire flow as long as a 20 foot separation from all
property lines is maintained for the all buildings.
-
If
you construct your structures with certain fire retardant
materials and provide an approved fire sprinkler system, you
may be exempt.
-
If
you have a residential project and your property is within five
road miles of a fully staffed fire station and your building
does not exceed 3,500 sq. ft. in area, you may be exempt.
from providing additional fire flow for your project.
Special circumstances:
At times, fire flow requirements
may be increased or decreased by the Fire Marshal.
Reasons to allow a decrease might be remote locations, or
special construction considerations that decrease fire hazards.
Situations that are deemed to increase or create special
fire hazards may require an increase in required fire flow.
Building size or use, construction materials, and
location on property may contribute to a required increase.
Questions:
Questions
regarding the requirements for your specific project should be
directed to the Building & Planning Department early in the
development process. This
will allow proper planning and help to avoid costly or timely
delays for your project.
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