Surprise: Community Associations Entitled to Have Fire Hydrants Maintained by Water Purveyor

A great concern of any association board or manager is responding to a fire.  While not often the first thing on  a board member’s mind; once it happens, all focus turns to how the association can help to reduce risk. The occurrence of a fire is not a matter of if, but rather when. No association ever wants to see their residents at risk due to a life-altering event. But isn’t that the fire department’s issue?  Aren’t they responsible for fighting the fire?  Of course, the answer is a clear “yes.” However, there is an insidious issue that has, at times, prevented fire departments from doing their job: inoperable fire hydrants.