2013Q1
Water Supply Operations This course is intended to be a refresher on the responsibilities of the Water Supply Group Supervisor Utilization of this position may vary in each department, but it is critical to successful operations when it is required
Water Shuttle Operations Water Supply operations are critical to successful fire ground operations in areas with limited or no hydrants. Water Supply Officer should be assigned to ensure fire flow delivery is sufficient to support the Incident Action Plan Water Supply Officer may incorporate hydrant flows and tenders into operations if there is insufficient flow from the hydrant system
Terminology Portable Tank: Portable, folding, or assembled tanks typically 3000 gallons or more, used to hold water from incoming tenders and then sent to the fire ground by either a supply engine or nurse tender Dump site leader: Assists the Water Supply Group Supervisor in setting up operations at the fire scene. Also sets up tanks, assigns spotters and monitors tender unloading. Fill Site Engine: Engine positioned at the location of the refilling of Tenders. This Engine assists in filling tenders and reduces turnaround time at the refill site. Supply Engine: Drafts from the portable tank on site to supply water to fire scene operations
Water Supply Group Supervisor (WSG) WSG: Is in charge of all the water supplied to the fire grounds. They determine if additional equipment is needed, establishes and communicates refill points Coordinates with fire ground operations and the IC to ensure sufficient water supply is being provided and requests additional resources as necessary.
Setting up Water Shuttle Critical decisions in setting up a Water Shuttle: Location of the dump site Location of the fill site Selection of travel route
Dump Site Location Water Supply Group should locate the dump site in a location that allows for easy access for incoming tenders. Important to give access to the side of the tanks so that tenders can pull up, dump and continue to refill site, with little maneuvering or backing and turning.
Dump Site Location General considerations Easily accessible by all tankers Large enough to support operation Safe from other traffic Does not block access to fire ground for other apparatus
Dump Site Operations Direct pumping Nurse tender operations Portable water tank operations
Fill Site Location General considerations Easily accessible by all tankers Large enough to support operation Safe from other traffic Reasonable distance from fire ground/dump site
Fill Site Location Operations Allow room for draft pumper if necessary Establish multiple lines to fill tankers Fill only one tanker at a time Have adequate personnel available to safely manage fill site responsibilities Pump operator Hose handlers Traffic control
Water Supply Calculations One of the primary responsibilities of a Water Supply Officer is to calculate the water delivery capability of their water supply system It is also critical that the WSG determine the fire flow requirements of the fire scene. Coordinating with the suppression crews or supervisors will help determine the flow being delivered and future needs.
Calculating Tender Performance In order to determine the water supply available utilize the following formula: GPM= Tank size - 10% Trip Time (handling time + travel time) Travel time (in minutes) = 0.65+ (1.7)(Distance in miles) Handling Time= Fill Site Time + Dump site time Tender Flow Rate = Tender water tank size in gallons - 10% Travel Time + Handling Time
Practical Skills Review the Water Supply Supervisor IMS board Discuss the Tenders available to you in your area, and their flow and tank characteristics
Practical Skills Calculate the needed number of tenders for the following scenarios: 300 GPM fire flow, nearest hydrant 5 miles away and it flows 750 GPM 1000 GPM Fire flow, nearest water source is a lake 2 miles away 750 GPM fire flow, nearest hydrant is 7 miles away, and it flows 1000 GPM or 3 miles away flowing 500 GPM
This presentation was shared by Camano Island Fire