San Diego County, CA Wildfire Water Protection Tanks
Fire Tanks For Sale in San Diego County
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San Diego County CA. Wildfire Water Protection Tanks
Wildfire water tanks in San Diego County, CA will help reduce the total loss of homes and commercial properties during wildfires.
One of the most devastating fires in San Diego County was in 2003. The cedar fire broke out the Cuyamaca Mountains in the Cleveland National Forest. It burned 273,246 acres and killed 15 people, and destroyed 2,820 buildings. It spread quickly due to Santa Ana winds. The investigation determined that it was actually started by a lost hunter who started a fire to alert rescuers, but the wind whipped the fire out of control.
In 2016 a fire broke out on Camp Pendleton. The Roblar Fire after nine days had burned 1,245 acres.
Those are just two fires in San Diego County, CA. With the uptick in fires recently there is a need to include private wildfire water tanks and fire protection preparedness plans. It must be a community effort and not just a local, county, state effort to reduce the number of wildfires and the amount of destruction they cause.
San Diego County according the 2020 census had 3,298,634 residents. The county seat is San Diego city. San Diego County has more than 70 miles of coastline. It also holds 16 military installations including:
- Camp Pendleton – the Marine base
- US Coast Guard
- Naval Base San Diego
- Miramar – Marine air station
- North Island - Navy air station
- Coast Guard Air Station San Diego
The climate is a split climate with a Mediterranean climate to the north and a semi-arid climate to the south and east.
The economy consists of the following:
- Breweries
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Cannabis
Sites of interest include:
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Mission Bay
- Presidio Park
- Alta Vista Gardens
- The Ramona Valley
- Balboa Park
- San Diego Zoo
What Is a Fire Protection Tank
A fire protection tank is a water storage tank that is full of water to be used to prevent or protect against fire. It allows valves or connections to be opened and attached to help prevent fire by wetting down areas or structures so that hot embers will not ignite them.
A fire protection tank is one part of a wildfire preparedness plan that each citizen should take part in. The other parts of a fire preparedness plan include the following:
- Using fire retardant materials for new buildings or remodeling
- Keeping flammable or combustible materials stored away from structures
- Landscaping should be kept clean of dry brush or grasses that will ignite easily
- Installing sprinklers both exterior and interior systems
- Having a firm evacuation plan and doing drills regularly on that plan
If the entire community participates in wildfire preparedness it should be possible to reduce the number of acres, structures, and lives destroyed from fire.
Fire Tanks for both Commercial and Residential
Both commercial and residential area can benefit from fire tanks and fire preparedness planning. Private fire tanks must meet all the local, county, and state regulations and codes.
The benefits of fire tanks include:
- Reduction in the risk of total loss
- Helping to reduce insurance premiums or policy cancellations
- Fire tanks can provide water flow for sprinkler systems
- Allows for hose connections
The main difference between commercial and residential fire tanks is the size.
Water Storage Tanks in San Diego County CA
Water storage tanks in San Diego County are available in steel bolted and poly (plastic) tanks. These water storage tanks can be used for several applications including:
- Fire protection tanks both municipal and individual or private
- Drinking water
- Wastewater treatment
- Storm water collection
- Commercial business applications including storage of ingredients
- Rainwater harvesting
- Irrigation for gardens and public spaces
Water storage tanks can meet many different needs. The difference in the tank from one need to another is the liner or coating. Drinking water for example will require a different liner than that of wastewater treatment.
City, County and State of California Fire Code Requirements for Water Tanks
There are code requirements that differ slightly from local, county, and state levels. Water storage tanks including fire protection tanks must meet all those codes and regulations. That includes the fire standard of NFPA-22 for fire tanks.
San Diego County Fire Protection Tank Standards states minimum water storage for fire protection and other regulations.
The San Diego County Forms can provide you with codes and permits for construction, alterations to structures and fire equipment like alarms and sprinklers.
The consolidated fire code for 2020 can be found at the San Diego Fire Authority.
NFPA-22 Compliant Water Tanks
NFPA-22 is a national standard from the National Fire Protection Agency that covers fire water tanks from design, building, installing, and accessories of fire protection tanks.
Steel Bolted or Poly Tanks Available for Fire protection in San Diego
Steel bolted and poly tanks are available for fire protection in San Diego County.
How do you choose which to use? The main difference is the capacity of the two. The steel bolted tanks have a larger capacity. These tanks start around 4,000 gallons and go up to 2,868,000 gallons. They are compliant with all local, county, and state regulations. They are also NFPA-22 compliant.
Generally commercial properties will choose the steel bolted tanks because they have more structures to protect. They also have expensive equipment and supplies they need to protect from fire.
The poly tanks are smaller capacities that begin around 400 gallons and go up to around 15,000 gallons. Residential and small private farms or businesses will usually choose this type of tank. With fewer structures, equipment, and supplies to protect this size does very well.
In some instances a combination of both steel bolted and poly tanks may be used. It depends on how far the things you need to protect are spread out. The capacity size also depends on the sprinkler systems. You must have proper flow.
Remember if you wish to have connections or valves in the tanks you must choose those when the tank is being manufactured.
