Fishers signs to alert firefighters of distance to water

FISHERS, Ind. (AP) — An Indianapolis suburb hopes to make it easier for firefighters to know how far they are from a water source by installing signs marking the distance of streets that are 900 feet or more from a hydrant.

Fishers fire engines carry 1,000 feet of supply hose that is attached to the nearest fire hydrant and laid out toward the fire. The fire department's "Long Lay Program" will install red reflective signs at 900-foot intervals so firefighters know where to link hoses to pump water to the engine closest to the fire.

Fire Chief Steve Orusa says identifying the distance to a water source before a fire occurs will save firefighters time and could help prevent injuries and property loss.