Private Fire Hydrants

Private fire hydrants are located on private property and are owned and maintained by the property owner. They are required by the International Fire Code (IFC) to supply the proper levels of water supply for fire protection when the distance to a public hydrant is excessive. The Springfield Fire Department (SFD) amended and adopted the IFC to require color coding of private fire hydrants (507.2.1.1). The hydrant body is painted red, with the caps and bonnet painted to match the flow rate which is detailed in the graphic below. This color coding differentiates private hydrants from public and provides responding fire department personnel with the water supply capabilities of the private hydrant.

The flow rates are determined by a required annual test conducted by a third-party Inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) vendor.  The results of those tests are provided to the property owner. View list of approved ITM vendors.

It is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain hydrant paint in good condition and correct color. Approximate color specifications are detailed below in five common paint brands.