The town of Greenwich is working to make sure rural or remote areas have an ample water supply in case of fires.

A few years ago, a fire in northern Greenwich burned a house to the ground. Firefighters said they had a problem getting enough water to the site because it was outside the municipal water supply.

The Greenwich Fire Department has installed a system of pipes and dry hydrants that connect far away water sources to the areas where the water is needed. The water travels underground and may come from streams, rivers or lakes.

Those in the department see the system as a life-saving device.

The department said there are nearly 50 dry hydrants throughout the back country. The town has spent about $100,000 this year on the dry hydrant system.