What is the primary purpose of the fire department standpipes?

The primary purpose of fire department standpipes is to supply water for firefighting. Standpipes are a critical component of a building's fire protection system, designed to provide firefighters with a means to access water quickly and efficiently in order to combat fires. They are typically installed in multi-story buildings, allowing firefighters to connect hoses directly to the system and draw water from it, ensuring a reliable source of water is readily available when necessary.

Standpipes are particularly advantageous in high-rise buildings where sending a fire engine to pump water to elevated floors can be logistically challenging. By having a network of standpipes throughout the building, firefighters can effectively manage and control fire situations more rapidly. The design and functionality of these systems are an essential aspect of fire safety and emergency response strategies.