During a fire emergency, what role does a Fire Department Connection (FDC) play?

A Fire Department Connection (FDC) is an essential component in fire protection systems, specifically designed to aid firefighters in their response to a fire emergency. Its primary function is to provide a dedicated point where firefighters can connect hoses to access the building’s water supply, either from the municipal water supply or a fire water tank that may be present on-site. This capability enhances the effectiveness of firefighting operations by allowing firefighters to quickly and efficiently obtain water to extinguish a fire during emergencies.

Understanding this role highlights the importance of having well-maintained and easily accessible FDCs during a fire response. The presence of an FDC ensures that firefighters can augment the building’s own sprinkler system or direct water flow to areas that may not be covered by automatic systems, thus significantly improving their ability to control and extinguish a fire.