Obstruction of Fire Hydrants and Fire Protection Appliances

The Florida Fire Prevention Code, NFPA 1 requires that fire hydrants be kept accessible to the fire department at all times. “No person shall place or keep any post, fences, vehicle, growth, vegetation, trash or storage of any other materials that would obstruct the hydrant and hinder or prevent its immediate use by fire department personnel.” (FFPC NFPA 1: 18.3.3.1)

Clearance requirements for fire hydrants are seven and one half feet (7 ft. 6 in.) in front of and to the sides of the hydrant, with a four foot (4 ft.) clearance to the rear. (FFPC NFPA 1: 18.3.4.1)

Clearance requirements for fire protection appliances are seven and one half feet

(7 ft. 6 in.) in front of and to the sides of the appliances. This includes back flow prevention with the F.D.C. connections. (NFPA 1: 18.3.4.2)

These clearances prevent delays in finding and using fire hydrants and fire protection equipment.