After decades of watching mega-fires destroy everything in their path, rich Americans are taking fire safety into their own hands by installing personal fire hydrants.
Sound like overkill for budding firefighters with property to protect? Well, it’s real—and it’s catching fire (pun intended) in regions prone to wildfires across the U.S.
The thinking behind this pricey amenity is simple. When disaster strikes, fire crews are stretched thin, and not every house can be saved.
Enter the private hydrant, equipped with hoses, nozzles, and adapters—plus a quick training session for homeowners. It’s a luxury item with life-saving potential.
Ocean views—and a fire hydrant
Dustin Khaleghi, a Malibu homeowner, is a proud member of the personal hydrant club. “When you drive up to the house, the first thing you’ll see is the ocean view. Then you’ll see the hydrant,” he told The Wall Street Journal.
His six-bedroom, eight-bathroom coastal mansion—listed for a jaw-dropping $25 million (around AU$38 million)—comes with a fire hydrant that costs $15,000 on its own. Add in the design, permitting, a concrete foundation, and a retaining wall, and the total fire-defense bill hit $150,000 (about AU$232,000).
And Khaleghi isn’t alone in this fiery trend. Real estate agents in California, Utah, and Colorado report that homes with fire hydrants are becoming hot commodities, not just for their utility but for the peace of mind they offer.
Michael Owens, a developer in Westlake Village, California, is selling a $14.995 million (AU$23.2 million) home with its own hydrant system.
“I certainly didn’t try to hide it. It’s a selling point. It mitigates fear,” Owens explained.
But this setup doesn’t come cheap. Beyond the $20,000 (AU$31,300) hydrant itself, Owens had to cover a $35,000 (AU$54,800) fee to the local water company to connect to municipal water, plus ensure the system met fire department regulations.
Mega-fires spark demand
It’s no surprise that fire-proofing measures like these are gaining popularity. Western states, especially California, are facing more frequent and devastating wildfires, fueled by climate change. Experts warn that we’ve entered the era of “mega-fires.”
This isn’t just a U.S. problem. In Australia, the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires scorched 1.5 million hectares of land, claimed over 3000 homes, and brought climate risks into sharp focus for homeowners going forward.
According to Domain’s Perils report, half of Australia’s homes—around 5.6 million properties—are at risk of bushfires in 2024, with the growing threat pushing more families toward fire-proofing solutions, particularly in rural and bushfire-prone areas.
Despite this, the costly installation fees and stringent regulatory frameworks seem to have stopped personal fire hydrants from flooding the market (for now), as firefighters continue to urge homeowners caught in the path of a blaze to evacuate instead of fighting the fire.
Still, it’s obvious the match has been lit and it appears going forward, personal fire hydrants are more than just a safety measure—they’re a status symbol.
Whether it’s about protecting their homes or their peace of mind, one thing is clear: luxury now comes with a hose and nozzle.
