Resident says low hydrant pressure contributed to house fire; council asks for review

Kathy Pew told the Lewisville City Council on April 6 that her house burned to the ground on Feb. 23 and that inadequate water pressure at nearby fire hydrants helped make the blaze unsalvageable.

"My house burnt down because we didn't put in booster pumps," Pew said during the persons‑appearing portion of the meeting, describing arriving flames and later respiratory treatment at a hospital. She said she was left on her porch while a police officer briefly checked the scene, then rode in the officer's car without being offered a blanket; she also said she wants the city to release hydrant pressure readings and other records.

The fire chief responded that several hydrants near the scene are on a dead‑end six‑inch supply line and that those hydrants were tested on the city's schedule. The chief gave flow figures: the hydrant nearest the elementary school measured about 856 gallons per minute; the three hydrants in the affected area measured about 581 gpm, with a residual pressure reported at roughly 54 psi. He said the department routinely plans for limited end‑of‑line supplies by pre‑positioning tankers and mutual‑aid resources. During the fire, wind‑driven flames and deep‑seated attic involvement required a blitz monitor (about 500 gpm) and then supplemental tanker service, the chief said.

Council and staff acknowledged the risks of dead‑end water mains and discussed long‑term options, including looping supply lines rather than relying on booster pumps. City staff agreed to consult with the water superintendent (Daryl) and report back with options and cost estimates for targeted projects. The council also asked staff to obtain and review body‑worn camera footage connected to Pew's account of police conduct; the mayor said that footage can be reviewed and shared via email if appropriate.

Mayor and public safety officials urged that sprinkler systems, preplans and current mutual‑aid tactics reduced risk for larger structures; staff noted the three‑story senior housing near the incident does have a sprinkler system and fire‑rated stairwells. Council committed to follow up with the water department on possible looping or targeted infrastructure projects and to report back to council and affected residents.

The meeting record shows no formal council action taken immediately on infrastructure funding; several council members and staff said the item merits further study as part of future budget and capital planning.

The council asked staff to provide the requested hydrant testing records, evaluate looping vs. other options, and return with recommendations or an estimate for any necessary work.