Aren’t firefighters wasting water when they open up a hydrant and just let it run? Why do they do that?

There are 2 answers to this question. 

1: to become familiar with the area and to know the hydrants are in working order and their flow rates, and
2: as part of the North Carolina Response Rating Schedule (NCRRS), which determines your insurance rating, there are certain criteria we have to meet, and one of those is hydrant maintenance. Our Hydrant Maintenance Program consists of flowing and flushing hydrants 2 times a year, and we have set months established for this. If there are any immediate concerns, we address them accordingly, and we are always mindful of environmental conditions such as droughts and modify our program if needed. Caution is taken during the flowing of hydrants so as to not disturb surrounding landscaping or cause traffic hazards.

Side note: the colored bands on the fire hydrants let fire personnel know the flow rate (depending upon the color) and the hydrant's ID number is for referencing in our system.

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1. Why do fire trucks sometimes travel with their lights and siren on, and then all of a sudden turn them off?
2. My fire alarm went off and I contacted my alarm company and told them everything was OK and not to send the Fire Department and they still showed up, why?
3. Can I be fined for false fire alarms? What constitutes a false alarm?
4. Where can I get a copy of a fire report and is there a fee?
5. What do I do after a fire?
6. Can I burn my yard debris or trash in my yard?
7. I tried calling the non-emergency number but no one answered, why?
8. When I called 911, the person kept asking me a bunch of questions and all I needed was a fire truck. Why don’t they just send the fire truck?
9. What are the work hours of fire department personnel?
10. Aren’t firefighters wasting water when they open up a hydrant and just let it run? Why do they do that?
11. Why do firefighters come to my business and get information?
12. Is there a law that requires other vehicles to move out of the way for emergency vehicles?
13. Are fire trucks able to change traffic lights to green?
14. Why are fire trucks taken to the grocery store or restaurants?
15. How much does the gear and equipment the firefighters carry weigh?
16. How do I schedule a fire truck to come to my school, daycare, or other event?
17. Do the fire stations have a fire pole? If not, Why?
18. Do the fire trucks have water in them?
19. Does the fire department have a volunteer, junior or explorer program?