In a state that frequently deals with wildfires, the reliability of fire hydrants should be a given.

Assemblymember Steve Bennett, who represents Ventura County, has introduced legislation to ensure that hydrants remain operational during emergencies. His proposal requires local water districts in high fire-risk areas to maintain full water tanks during periods of increased fire danger, secure reliable backup power for pumps, and strengthen the surroundings of these facilities against encroaching flames.

While Bennett’s initiative addresses a critical need, it raises an essential question: Do we really need legislation to guarantee that fire hydrants operate properly during wildfires? One might assume that such preparedness is standard practice.

Bennett’s proposal aims to address these shortcomings by requiring water districts to manage their systems in a proactive manner. This includes topping off water tanks when fire conditions are anticipated, ensuring backup power sources are available, and safeguarding critical infrastructure from fire damage. Although these measures may seem like common sense, their absence in previous emergencies shows a gap that needs to be filled.

You can read more on the Assemblymember’s proposal here: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB367