Water Delivery Options for Wildland Firefighting

When fighting fires, having an ample water supply to help douse and extinguish the flame is imperative. Quickly acquiring substantial quantities of water while in rugged, remote locations, however, can often pose a challenge. Fortunately, wildland firefighters have found several solutions to their environmental obstacles. Lear more about some of the most common water delivery options for wildland firefighting here.

Direct Pumping

One water delivery method for wildland firefighting is direct pumping. Generally, this method of water delivery is only practical when a water source is relatively close to the fire. Direct pumping allows wildland firefighters to pump water from a source through hose lines in order to deliver it to the fire. They can pump the water from an engine or from another water source, such as a pond or stream, and deliver it through hoses and fire nozzles. Depending on the type of fire and the specific tactics used by your department, the size and type of the hose will vary. 

Backpack Tanks or Pumps

Backpack tanks or pumps are also a viable water delivery option for wildland firefighters. These portable fire extinguishing systems are ideal for tackling small fires and hot spots. They can also be useful for overhauling areas that extend beyond the reach of hose lines.

Most backpack tanks have the capacity to carry around 5 to 8 gallons of water in a rubber or neoprene bladder. When carrying them, it is important to adjust the carrying straps to your body and lift with your legs while keeping your back straight.

Mobile Tanks

Mobile tanks can be used to deliver water in situations where it is feasible to continuously shuttle water from the source to the fire site. They may also be practical if the distance between the fire site and the water source is short.

The efficiency of this water transportation method will depend on a variety of different factors. For example, the size of the tanks, the number of water tender vehicles, and the distance between the fire and the water source will all play a role in determining if the crew can maintain a continuous water supply via mobile tanks. 

Air Transportation

In the case of extreme wildfires, air transportation can be a highly advantageous water delivery option for wildland firefighting. Air transportation involves using airplanes and helicopters to transport large quantities of water. This method of delivery, however, is often only employed for immense wildfires that expand over thousands of acres.

The Supply Cache is committed to providing wildland firefighters with the gear and equipment you need in order to effectively combat fires and stay safe on the job. When it comes to backpack tanks and pumps as well as hoses and nozzles, we know that you need a variety of different options in order to combat whatever nature throws at you. The Supply Cache maintains an extensive variety of reliable, high-quality forestry water delivery equipment to suit your specific needs. To learn more about our wildland firefighting gear and equipment, contact the Supply Cache today.