Options Beyond Fire Hydrants: Strategies for Water Supply in Emergency Situations

Fire departments face unique challenges when traditional water sources like fire hydrants are not available. In such cases, a range of strategies can ensure that firefighters have access to the necessary water to combat fires effectively. This article explores these alternative methods, including water tankers, portable water pumps, relay pumping, static water sources, mutual aid agreements, and firefighting foam.

Water Tankers

In rural or suburban areas where fire hydrants are scarce, fire departments often use water tankers to transport large amounts of water to the scene. These tankers can hold 500 gallons or more, providing a reliable and portable water supply.

For example, a fire truck can carry 500 gallons plus of water to attack a fire. A second truck can then hook up to the nearest fire hydrant and drop a hose to the first truck, allowing for a steady water supply. This method is particularly effective in areas where fire hydrants are available but may not be in close proximity to the fire.

Portable Water Pumps

When traditional water sources like hydrants are not available, firefighters can use portable water pumps to draw water from nearby sources such as ponds, lakes, or swimming pools. These pumps can be set up quickly to provide a reliable water supply, making them an invaluable resource in remote or rural areas.

Relay Pumping

Relay pumping is a technique where multiple firefighters or units can set up a system to pump water from a source over long distances. This method can be particularly useful when a large fire requires a significant water supply. The diagram below illustrates a diagram of a pumper using a hydrant to relay water to another pumper at the fire scene.

Another variation is using the pumper at the water supply to draft water from a lake, stream, or other natural source. This approach can be particularly effective in remote areas with limited infrastructure.

Static Water Sources

Firefighters may also utilize static water sources such as cisterns or reservoirs if they are available in the area. These sources can provide a consistent and reliable water supply for firefighting operations.

Mutual Aid Agreements

Fire departments often have mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions. This allows them to request additional resources and support in situations where local resources are insufficient. These agreements can be crucial in ensuring that firefighters have the necessary water supply to combat fires effectively.

Firefighting Foam

In some cases, firefighters may use foam that can be mixed with water to suppress fires. This can be particularly beneficial in situations where water supply is limited, as foam can make the water go further and be more effective in extinguishing flames.

Other Water Supply Methods

For rural fire departments, the tanker shuttle is a common method. Tankers can fill from a water source, either using their own pumps or having a pumper at the water source to fill them. The water is then shuttled to the fire scene, where it is dumped into portable tanks for the on-scene pumper to draw water from. The diagram below shows a tanker with a quick dump valve backed up to a portable tank with a pumper drafting from it.

Tankers come in various shapes and sizes, including military surplus vehicles and custom-made designs. There are even very large tankers, capable of carrying thousands of gallons of water. Often, a system known as a rural hitch is used. When a road is too narrow for tankers to travel safely or there's no place to turn the trucks around, water is relayed to the end of a road, and a portable tank is set up there to minimize stopped time for the tankers.

Fire departments must be prepared for a wide range of scenarios. By understanding and utilizing these alternative strategies, firefighters can ensure they have the necessary water supply to combat fires effectively, no matter where they may be.