Jake Jakabosky
On July 8, the High Prairie Fire Department conducted a pumping flow test to determine our capability to continuously produce a stream of water at a rate of 250 gallons per minute for ½ hour. The test was a practice run to prove we could do it or find out where we’d have to improve. Once the Schilling Road Fire Hall is built, the real test will be set by the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB), which provides property underwriting and rating information for the insurance industry. If successful, the residential insurance rating for properties within 5 miles of the Schilling Road station could be improved to an 8 rating and allow for lower insurance rates. Residences within 5 miles of the Struck Road Fire Hall currently have an 8 rating.
You’ll be glad to know the practice test was a complete success. The Department has enough water available on existing apparatus like tenders and structure engines to provide that amount of water continuously. Our volunteers will continue to drill and maintain their skill level so we can demonstrate our ability to meet flow test requirements to the WSRB when the new fire hall is completed.
