For the majority of the South Salem Fire District gaining access to a good water supply for fighting fires can sometimes be a challenge due to a lack of a municipal water system and hydrants. This is not the case within the Four Winds Hospital campus in Cross River.

Located within the South Salem Fire District is Four Winds Hospital, a provider of inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment services for children, adolescents and adults. Four Winds Hospital is composed of over 30 buildings of various sizes and age. Fortunately they are protected by a hydrant system and the South Salem Fire Department recently practiced connecting to a hydrant to test its water flow.

After successfully connecting Tanker 2 to a hydrant and sustaining a water flow of over 700 gpm, the crew was satisfied with the results. Further tests of additional hydrants are planned for the remainder of the summer.

Thanks to Four Winds Hospital for arranging this test and working with the South Salem Fire Department to continuously improve their fire safety.