Are you wondering how you can fill the fire truck with water? If yes, then we have an answer for this. But I’m pretty sure that every firefighter has a definite answer in their head. So what if you don’t know? All across the world, fire trucks are being filled by firefighters every day. But how?
Well, read on to find out…
Water supply methods vary from department to department, so there is no wrong or better method for supplying water to the pump. It all depends on your respective city’s infrastructure and what they can support.
1.) Under pressure from a hydrant
2.) By connecting to a distant fire hydrant
3.) By connecting to a nearby fire hydrant with a smaller supply line
4.) By drawing water from a natural or manmade lake or pond.
The choice of which is the best for your department depends on how many hydrants are available in your area and what size they are. A 500 GPM hydrant can fill most pumpers in just 2 minutes. A 100 ft section of 1-1/2″ hose connected to it will fill the pumper in less than 4 minutes, but it will also reduce the overall delivery rate by over 50%. In cases where there are few hydrants, you may have to use one that delivers less, or you can try to use a hydrant that is larger.
Some departments draw their supply directly from the lake or pond using portable intakes mounted on 5-gallon pails or drums. This allows them to have only sections of hose long enough to reach the water supply, which is easy to move around as need be. On occasion, they may have to carry additional hose up if the distance exceeds the length of their longest section plus whatever couplings are required for two sections being connected together.
Other departments have permanent intakes that require an engine and crew just for hauling it around occasionally during calls. It’s best not to leave this equipment at fire scenes where it has no purpose because it takes the space needed by other apparatus and resources. It can also be a hazard if left unattended by firefighters who are not familiar with its operation and safety procedures, or accidentally discharged into the water supply while it’s still pressurized.
