The Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006

CHAPTER IV WATER SUPPLIES, ETC.

Supply and use of water

Duty to secure water supply

15.—(1) The Board shall take all reasonable measures for securing that an adequate supply of water will be available for the Board’s use for the purposes specified in paragraph (2).

(2) The purposes referred to in paragraph (1) are—

(a) extinguishing fires;

(b) protecting life and property in the event of fires;

(c) rescuing persons in the event of road traffic accidents;

(d) protecting persons from serious harm in the event of road traffic accidents;

(e) carrying out any function conferred on the Board by an order under Article 7; and

(f) complying with any directions given to the Board under Article 56.

Use of water

16.—(1) The Board may use any convenient or suitable supply of water for the purposes specified in Article 15(2).

(2) Subject to Article 35(2) of the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1973 (NI 2), the Board shall pay reasonable compensation for water used by virtue of paragraph (1).

Fire hydrants

Fire hydrants

17.—(1) The Board shall arrange with the Department for Regional Development—

(a) for the provision and maintenance of such fire hydrants as are necessary for securing the efficient use of the available supply of water for the purposes specified in Article 15(2); and

(b) for indicating by a notice or distinguishing mark, which may be placed on any wall or fence adjoining a road or public place, the locations of fire hydrants.

(2) A person commits an offence if he uses a fire hydrant otherwise than—

(a) for the purposes specified in Article 15(2);

(b) for any other purpose of the Board; or

(c) for any purpose authorised by the Department.

(3) A person commits an offence if he damages or obstructs a fire hydrant, otherwise than in consequence of use for the purposes mentioned in paragraph (2).

(4) A person guilty of an offence under paragraph (2) or (3) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.