Augmenting Catalina Island’s Salt Water Hydrant System
Enroute Make initial contact with Avalon Fire Dept. via LBFD dispatch to Catalina Island in order to designate a radio frequency Radio communication must go through one of the LA Co. FD radio frequencies
On Scene Contact Avalon FD via LA Co Fire (Avalon is not equipped with LBFD fire frequencies) Make contact with Avalon Harbor Patrol and Harbor Master
Avalon Fire Department Will respond to the dock to provide assistance and transportation if needed
Docking the Fire Boat Dock the fire boat where the Catalina Express boat loads and unloads passengers The water here is approximately forty to fifty foot depth
Backfilling the Fire Hydrant There is a fire hydrant located on the pier Most fire hydrants in Avalon are equipped with a 4 1/2” outlet requiring a 4 1/2” female to 4” male fitting to make the connection
Laying out the hose line Connect to the aft master stream appliance and lay the line up the gangway to the hydrant Approximately 150’ of hose
Charging the hose line Charge the line slowly Pump at approximately 140 PSI
Fill the reservoirs There are two reservoirs located on both sides of Avalon at an elevation of approximately one hundred feet One of them has a capacity of approximately 210,000 gallons and the other 410,000 gallons
Unlimited Supply Continue pumping as needed, keeping constant communication with Avalon FD Be mindful of fuel needs during extended operations