Currently, when a structure fire occurs in any of these rural areas, the fire department must rely on shuttling water by tanker truck(s), usually from hydrants within the boro, to the scene of the fire several miles away. This is currently the only way to insure an adequate supply of water is available to fight the fire. The addition of the dry hydrants is intended to dramatically improve the level of fire protection service to our rural customers. They are a reliable way to provide viable, large capacity, remote watery supply sites, year-round for; 1. Direct connection to fire apparatus pumping into large diameter hose.  2. Serving as additional tanker fill points.

Through the assistance of a program with Headwaters Resource Conservation & Development in Dubois, PA, the Port Allegany Fire Department secured funding to acquire hardware; including 8" strainers, hydrant heads and signage, along with the design plans and drawings for the hydrant installation. The fire department is then responsible for supplying the labor and all other miscellaneous materials. The PVC pipe is being purchased from Johnston Tools and all of the commercial excavation work is being done by local contractors Chad Moses and John Gordon.

Throughout the project, the fire department has worked with the Department of Environmental Protection and the McKean County Conservation District to secure all of the necessary permits and get clearance on any species encroachment issues prior to any work starting.

At this time, five (5) sites have been marked and approved for hydrant installation around Liberty & Annin Townships, including these first two (pictured);

1. Liberty Twp., Allegany River at the at Boyer's Crossing Bridge on the Causer property.

2. Liberty Twp., Combs Creek at the Combs Creek Bridge on the Shaffer property.

Additional sites include;

3. Liberty Twp., Allegany River at the Coleman Mills Bridge on the Thompson property.

4. Annin Twp., Allegany River on the Champlin Hill Road near the Pine Grove Road.

5. Annin Twp., private pond on the Annin Creek Road on the Grimes property.

This project marks the Star Hose Company's first foray into the installation and use of dry hydrants in our first due protection areas, and hopefully, with ongoing success and a continued focus on proactive efforts to improve our level of service, we will be able to continue to expand the system throughout the two townships by adding more and more dry hydrants. Perhaps we can even look into the feasability of installing dry hydrants into areas within the boro limits where the current domestic fire hydrants are grossly inadequate and provide pitifully insufficient water to protect the high hazard properties near them; for example, the areas of the Vo-Tech School, the Elementary School and the High School.

If you live in Port Allegany Boro, Annin Township or Liberty Township AND own property in close proximity to a roadway or driveway AND a flowing (dynamic) water source; such as a stream, creek or river, or a fixed (static) water supply; like a pond, pool, reservoir or cistern AND you would like to offer a parcel of that property to be considered for the installation of a dry hydrant, please contact the fire department for more information at: .

*While it may not apply in everyone, some insurance companies offer premium cost reductions if you have a dry hydrant on or near your property. It may just save you money to install one...check with your insurance agent!