Delaware General Assembly


CHAPTER 256

FORMERLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 601

AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 5, TITLE 9, DELAWARE CODE, TO PERMIT FIRE COMPANIES TO INSPECT FIRE HYDRANTS AND WATER MAINS AND TO REPORT THEIR FINDINGS AND TO PERMIT TESTING OF FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend §569, Chapter 5, Title 9, Delaware Code, by designating the entire section as subsection (a) and by adding a new subsection (b) as follows:

"(b) Any duly organized fire company, including volunteer fire companies, may inspect and test all fire hydrants and all water mains serving such hydrants located within the area that such company already operates and shall report its findings to the State Fire Marshal, the owners or operators of the water distribution systems serving such fire hydrants and water mains and to the municipality or local government having Jurisdiction over such water system. In addition thereto, a fire company shall be permitted to utilize fire hydrants designated in advance by the owners or operators of a water distribution system and within the area that such company operates for testing fire-fighting equipment. At least twenty-four (24) hours prior to any inspection or test or testing of fire-fighting equipment, the water distribution system and the municipality or local government having Jurisdiction over such water system shall be notified. At the request of the owners or operators and for good cause shown, the State Fire Marshal may postpone an inspection or test or testing of fire-fighting equipment for not more than ten (10) days."

Approved June 9, 1980.