Water Supply and Pumping

In this #FirefightingFridays discussion, the team from Strategic Fire Training-Jeff Shupe, Jeff Diederich, Chad Gruver, and Micah Hydeman-reviews water supply and different types of pumping (tandem/relay).

[@williammora7077]

For anyone interested, Dual Pumping at the scene with it's numerous benefits, is covered in detail in chapter 9 " Hose Evolutions and Fireground Realities" in the book " Preventing Firefighter Disorientation" by Fire Engineering Books and Videos. Also, be aware this evolution is tried and true and has been in use by the San Antonio Fire Department since April 2000. Stay safe. Wm Mora, Capt. Ret. San Antonio Fire Department.

[@bktenn29]

I don’t see what the problem is with putting a gate valve on one of the 2.5” sides. It barely adds any time, it’s there if you need it, probably won’t need it on a house fire, but if nothing else it’s a rep that will add to your muscle memory for a larger fire where it will be useful. And you absolutely will get more out of a good hydrant by adding a 2.5/3” line in addition to the 5” LDH off the same hydrant. And although some may scoff, it does help with draining the LDH and making it easier to remove afterwards.

[@matthewgromelski223]

I know historically speaking, the ball valve was helpful with dropping duals of 2.5” and 3” hose. The fire service has changed with the development of LDH. I know departments like the FDNY or Chicago implement the gate valve, but they have hydrants in such proximity. This tactic sounds very circumstantial to specific areas of the country. Do what works for you and your departments and mutual aid.

[@tomsealander9362]

I can supply another pumper an additional 300 gpm with the 2 and 1/2's added to the steamer with LDH. Not theory, actual flow. It depends on the hydrant system.
You talk about wasting time, tap another hydrant when there's water left in the first one?