Department Resources

Adopt A Hydrant Program

Adopt a Hydrant iPhone Welcome to the Adopt a Hydrant Program! This initiative is designed to enhance community safety and ensure that fire hydrants remain accessible in emergencies. By adopting a hydrant in your neighborhood, you play a vital role in supporting your local fire department and protecting your community. Participation is simple, impactful, and a great way to give back to your neighborhood. Those who adopt a hydrant will receive an official certificate of adoption to celebrate their commitment.

Open the Adopt a Hydrant App

Responsibilities of Hydrant Adopters

Adopting a hydrant means committing to:

Clearing Snow: Remove snow and ice from around the hydrant after storms to ensure it is visible and accessible.
Clearing Brush: Remove overgrowth of grass, bushes, and other vegetation around the hydrant to maintain clear access.
Removing Debris: Keep the area around the hydrant free of trash, leaves, and other obstructions.

What Not to Do

To maintain the integrity and functionality of hydrants, adopters should avoid:

Painting the Hydrant: Hydrants are painted a standard two-tone color and should not be altered.
Tampering with the Hydrant: Never attempt to open or modify the hydrant.
Obstructing Access: Do not place decorations, structures, or other items near the hydrant that could impede its use.

Web Map and Adoption Process

Our user-friendly web mapping application allows you to locate and adopt a hydrant in your community. Follow these simple steps:

Access the Map: Launch the interactive web map and agree to the guidelines to view hydrants available for adoption. The application is available on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.
Search your Address: Start by searching your address, this will create a 1000-foot buffer and highlight hydrants available for adoption.
Select a Hydrant: Click on a hydrant from the list or on the map to see its ID number, ownership/maintenance responsibility, and nearest address. Hydrants available for adoption will have a blue button to launch an adoption form. If a hydrant has already been adopted, it will show a date that it was adopted.
Submit an Adoption Form: Complete the adoption form linked within the application. Provide your contact information and click submit.
Receive Confirmation: Once reviewed, you will receive an adoption certificate via email.

Maintenance

If you notice that your adopted hydrant is damaged, you can notify Fairfax County Fire & Rescue GIS Office (fire.GIS@fairfaxcounty.gov), and we will route your concern to the appropriate owner for maintenance inspection.

If you identify any problems with the web application or any errors in the hydrant data on the web map, contact fire.GIS@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Parking Enforcement

Reminder: Parking is not allowed within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Clear access to hydrants is critical for fire and rescue operations and ensures firefighters can respond quickly in an emergency.

For more information, please see:

Fire and Rescue

Fire and Rescue Alert:

Department Resources

Adopt A Hydrant Program

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