420-10 Rural Water Supply for Structural Firefighting

Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of the rural water supply operations?

To provide an uninterrupted water supply for fire ground operations (correct)

To establish a permanent water source

To minimize water usage during firefighting

To ensure rapid extinguishment of fires

When establishing a water supply in rural areas, what should be the first action of the initial Officer in Charge (OIC)?

Determine the most appropriate means for establishing an adequate water supply (correct)

Contact nearby water supply facilities

Assess the structural integrity of nearby buildings

Deploy multiple brush apparatus to the scene

In what situation is it advisable to utilize a brush apparatus for establishing a water supply?

When using combined hose lays

In urban environments with multiple hydrants

When hydrant water supply is easily accessible

In areas of limited access (correct)

Why is it preferred to use an engine as the source pumper rather than brush apparatus?

It has a larger pump capacity Signup and view all the answers

What consideration must be taken during drought conditions regarding water sources?

Many potential static sources may not be suitable due to low water levels Signup and view all the answers

What is advised when crossing non-rated bridges in rural areas?

Use discretion on whether to cross Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized when selecting a brush truck for use as a source pumper?

The largest capacity brush truck available Signup and view all the answers

Which personnel are the rural water supply guidelines intended for?

All Emergency Operations personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the average weight of PBCFR brush trucks?

28,500 lbs Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of brush trucks in rural firefighting?

Crossing homemade or non-rated bridges Signup and view all the answers

When should the largest capacity brush truck be used?

As the attack pumper whenever possible Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a reliable draft site is nearby?

Put a relay pumping operation into place Signup and view all the answers

Which resource can assist in locating the nearest water source?

Fire Operations Officer Signup and view all the answers

Which hose types do brush trucks in rural areas carry?

3” hose and structural attack hose Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a supply engine placed on the street side of a bridge?

To refill brush trucks during operation Signup and view all the answers

What should later arriving engines and tenders do once they reach the scene?

Remain on the street side and perform a water shuttle operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Modified Direct Pumping operations in rural firefighting?

To provide immediate water supply for short duration fires. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered when deciding on the means of water supply for firefighting operations?

What recreational plans are in place for the area? Signup and view all the answers

In what situation should a relay pumping operation be transitioned to from Modified Direct Pumping?

If the incident is anticipated to last for an extended period of time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum water supply yield from Modified Direct Pumping operations using two engines and two brush trucks?

6000 gallons for initial fire attack. Signup and view all the answers

Which operation provides a continuous water supply for firefighting in rural areas?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best action to take when positioning tenders for Modified Direct Pumping operations?

Place them in an area free of other apparatus for easier access. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the limitations of Modified Direct Pumping operations?

It can only support fires with low fire flow requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is crucial for ensuring the success of a Modified Direct Pumping operation in limited access areas?

Laying a supply line from the street into the fire scene. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition is it advisable to avoid using a nurse tender?

When the fire is large and requires continuous water supply Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method of water supply when there is no readily available water source near the fire scene?

Relay pumping operations Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the supply line when laying it from the water source to the fire scene?

Lay it off to the side of the road for access Signup and view all the answers

Which type of unit is designed to refill a water tank at the fire scene for direct supply to the attack engine?

Nurse tender Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized when considering a transition to relay pumping operations?

Anticipated duration of the incident Signup and view all the answers

For which type of incidents is a nurse tender recommended?

Short duration fires such as garage fires Signup and view all the answers

Which is the correct action for later arriving units intending to assist in a water shuttle operation?

Transition to relay operations without delay Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective capacity placement for a pumper in a relay pumping scenario?

Pumper with the largest capacity at the water source Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of folding/dump tank operations?

Setting up these operations can be time consuming and manpower intensive. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario are folding/dump tanks most beneficial?

When the water source is located far from the fire scene, making relay pumping impractical. Signup and view all the answers

How many tenders are required at minimum for effective folding/dump tank operations?

Two tenders, along with additional engines and brush trucks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a supply engine positioned at a folding/dump tank?

To establish a draft and relay water to the attack engine. Signup and view all the answers

What capacity does each tender carry when involved in firefighting operations?

3000 gallons. Signup and view all the answers

Under which condition should float-a-pumps be utilized?

When other water supply methods are unreliable or inaccessible. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for effective folding/dump tank operations?

The ability to supply master streams effortlessly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of positioning the folding/dump tank improperly?

It can block access for incoming apparatus. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose and Authority

Provides guidelines for water supply operations in rural Palm Beach County to support uninterrupted fire ground operations.
Authority lies with the Fire Rescue Administrator.

Scope

Applicable to all Emergency Operations personnel involved in fire response.

Rural Water Supply Considerations

Initial Incident Commander (OIC) determines the best method for establishing water supply.
Locate static water sources close to fire scenes when hydrant supply is insufficient.
Preference for using engines over brush trucks as source pumpers due to higher pump capacity.
Brush trucks used when access is restricted, but they have limited pump capacities.

Non-Rated Bridges and Limited Access Areas

Exercise caution crossing non-rated bridges; brush trucks average 28,500 lbs while rescue trucks weigh under 20,000 lbs.
Brush trucks typically carry 800 to 1000 feet of 3” hose and two SCBAs for structural firefighting.
Establish a supply line from the bridge to the fire scene using a largest capacity brush truck when possible.

Locating Static Water Sources

Assist from Communication Center or Fire Operations Officer can be requested to find nearest water sources.
The Hydrant Navigation System provides valuable information on hydrant and static water locations.

Structure Fire Response in Rural Areas

Brush trucks respond with engines to structure fires to enhance water supply and access.
Four methods for continuous water supply: Modified Direct Pumping, Nurse Tender, Relay Pumping, Folding/Dump Tank operations.

Important Considerations for Water Supply

Determine the needed fire flow and duration.
Identify the nearest reliable water source.
Decide the delivery method and required resources.
Assess access issues for operations.

Modified Direct Pumping Operations

Suitable for short-duration fires (e.g., room fires) and confirmed structure fires.
Attack engine supplied by multiple units through simultaneous supply lines.
Initial water supply of 6000 gallons available from two engines, brush trucks, and a tender.
Consider transitioning to relay pumping for longer incidents.

Nurse Tender Operations

Nurse tender supplies water directly to the attack engine and is replenished using a water shuttle.
Recommended for short-duration fires, avoiding its use for potential expanding incidents.

Relay Pumping Operations

Effective when no nearby water source; involves pumping water from a reliable source in a relay.
Largest capacity pumper positioned at the water source with 5” supply line laid to the fire scene.
May require multiple units for efficient operation.

Folding/Dump Tank Operations

Indirect water supply method using portable folding dump tanks when relay pumping is impractical.
Each tank holds 3000-3500 gallons, requiring significant setup time and space.
Positioned supply engine to establish draft and relay water.

Considerations for Tender Apparatus

Each carries 3000 gallons of water and supplementary equipment (foam, SCBA).
Larger size may require backing down roadways for optimal maneuverability.

Float-A-Pump Operations

Employed as a last-resort water supply method when draft sites are inaccessible.

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Description

This quiz covers the Standard Operating Guideline SOG# 420-10 for rural water supply in Palm Beach County. It discusses the best practices and procedures for ensuring an uninterrupted water supply during fire ground operations. Perfect for firefighters and emergency responders.