In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the status and future of dry hydrants in the county, following an incident involving a fire truck that was not responding to an emergency but was relocating between fire stations. The discussion revealed that the county has moved away from using dry hydrants, which require annual maintenance, in favor of a more efficient and portable solution known as the turbo draft device.

The turbo draft device, described as a simple metal apparatus with funnels, allows firefighters to draw water from sources up to 200 feet away from their vehicles, enhancing accessibility to water bodies. This shift is attributed to the high maintenance costs associated with dry hydrants, which can suffer from issues such as cracked PVC pipes and clogged filters.

Commissioners raised concerns about the existing dry hydrants scattered throughout the county, particularly in areas with limited water access. While the hydrants were installed through a grant from Georgia Forestry and are technically the county's responsibility, officials have not yet addressed their removal or ongoing maintenance.

The conversation highlighted the importance of ensuring adequate water supply for firefighting efforts, especially in regions where water sources are scarce. As the county continues to adapt its firefighting resources, the effectiveness of the turbo draft device may play a crucial role in future emergency responses.