A popular saying goes, "When seconds count, the police are only minutes away." Perhaps this principle also applies to fire and firefighters, as well as crime and police.
In California, where wildfires routinely destroy whole neighborhoods, some homeowners are preparing to immediately respond to fire threats by acquiring personal fire hydrants. The Wall Street Journal (alternate link) reports that options include hydrants that connect to personal tanks with thousands of gallons of water held in reserve or municipal water supplies. Especially prudent hydrant owners also purchase long firehoses and the training on how to use them effectively.
It's a strong selling point in the home real estate market, as you can see in the Zillow listing for this newly-built mansion north of Los Angeles.
-via Marginal Revolution | Photo: Mike Birdy