Ventura County, CA Fire Protection Tanks
Fire Tanks For Sale in Ventura County
Corrugated Bolted Steel
Bolted Steel
Welded Steel Tanks
Plastic Water Tanks
Ventura County CA is no stranger to wildfires. It knows all too well the need for fire protection tanks.
In 2020 the census put the population of Ventura County at 843,843. Ventura city is the county seat. Due to the topography Ventura County has a considerable range in climate. Crops need irrigation in the summer because of limited rainfall. The growing season also is different. Near the coast the growing season is around 300 days. In the mountain area it is only about 175 days. Rainfall varies greatly between the driest area getting five inches annually to 60 inches annually in the wetter part.
The economy of Ventura County has seen a down turn due to the decreasing housing affordability and lack of job growth. The economy is agriculture. The crops include:
- Lemons $244 million annually
- Valencia oranges $20 million annually
- Tangelos (combined with Mandarin oranges is $17 million annually)
- Mandarin oranges
- Hemp
Ventura County was hit hard in 2017 by two of the worst fires; the Woolsey fire and the Thomas fire.
The Thomas fire burned 281,893 acres before it was fully contained. It completely demolished 1,063 structures and damaged 280 others. The Thomas fire alone cost over $2.176 billion in damages in 2018. It also cost over $204.5 million in suppression costs. The agricultural industry suffered a $171 million in losses from this fire. And, Southern California Edison paid over $11 million to the county. It was the 7th most destructive wildfire in the state’s history. Subsequent investigation of the fire determined that Southern California Edison’s equipment (transformers) cause the fire.
The Woolsey Fire ignited November 2018. It burned 96,949 acres. Destroying 1,643 structures, caused three deaths, and caused 295,000 people to evacuate. Again Southern California Edison’s equipment caused the fire.
What Is a Fire Protection Tank
A fire protection tank is a water storage tank that is kept full to protect against fire. It must be clearly marked as fire tank and meet all local, county, and state regulations and codes.
It should be only one part of a fire preparedness plan. The other parts of that plan should include the following:
- Sprinkler systems – exterior to keep the roof from igniting from hot embers and interior to stop the spread
- Store flammable or combustibles away from structures
- Keep vegetation cleaned of dry shrubs, brush, and grasses
- Used designated burns to help keep area clean of dried vegetation that can ignite from embers
- Build with fire retardant materials
- Have an evacuation plan and practice it regularly
Fire Tanks for both Commercial and Residential
The benefits of fire tanks for both commercial and residential properties are:
- Reduces the risk of total loss
- May lower monthly fire insurance premium or keep the policy from being canceled
- Feeds sprinkler systems
- Allows area to be wet down with hose before hot embers hit your property
Remember a fire protection tank should only be one part of your wildfire preparedness plan.
The price of insurance has steadily been rising in recent years due to the number of wildfires. Some companies are canceling their fire insurance altogether. You can write out your fire preparedness plan, take pictures of the area and the fire protection tank to show your insurance company. It may help keep the premiums from rising anymore.
Water Storage Tanks in Ventura County
Water storage tanks in Ventura County can be used for fire protection and other uses include:
- Crop irrigation
- Drinking water
- Wastewater treatment
- Storm water collection
- Rainwater harvesting
Both steel bolted and poly (plastic) is available for use. Just remember they must meet all local, county, and state codes.
City, County and State of California Fire Code Requirements for Water Tanks
You should familiarize yourself with the Ventura County fire code requirements.
The codes on fire hydrants are different from the codes for residential sprinklers.
Building codes for new structures of remodeling of structures must also be followed for the new fire codes. What are some of the materials that can be used in buildings? These materials include:
- Fire- Graded Glass
- Concrete
- Fire Bricks
- Fire Retardant Wood
- Drywall Type X
- Fire- Graded Doors
- Dual-Pane Windows
- Treated Fibers
- Gypsum Board
By no means are these materials fireproof. They are fire retardant meaning they slow the fire down, they are not fireproof.
The Ventura County Fire Department offers inspections and help you understand the codes and requirements.
NFPA-22 Compliant Water Tanks
Fire protection tanks must be NFPA-22 compliant. NFPA-22 is a standard that covers design, manufacture, installation, upkeep, and accessories that supply private fire protection.
Steel Bolted or Poly Tanks Available for Fire protection in Ventura County
Both steel bolted and poly tanks are available in Ventura County for fire protection.
Steel bolted hold a higher capacity of water. Starting around 4,000 gallons they go as high as 2,868,000 gallons. This makes them a great choice for large agricultural farms and commercial properties. Where there are more structures and area to cover for fire protection.
Poly tanks are smaller starting around 400 gallons they go to around 15,000 gallons. This size is generally good for private residential areas or small apartment buildings. With fewer structures and area to cover for fire protection this size usually works well.
Due to the smaller size they have a smaller foot print.
Whichever type you choose it needs to be installed on a proper slab and clearly marked as fire protection tank.
Be sure when you order, to choose what valves or connections you want to be able to use. They will be placed on the tank when it is made.
Installing fire protection tanks can reduce your risk of total loss from wildfires. Also, education on wildfires preparedness by Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council is something everyone can benefit from.
