Water Distribution Relay Pumping Fire Trucks (Chula Vista, CA and Delta County, MI Examples)

NFPA provides a strong analysis of water and relay pumping. While the whole publication appears beneficial you can read 'Step 4 Water Distrubution Options' (looks like a spelling error). However, the information is excellent. You can learn more about the NFPA.

Here is also an awesome training video by Chula Vista Fire Department. Go Chula Vista! They go into solid depth on the topic and discuss how pumpers can maximize pressure and reach. Lots of charts on friction loss and hose sizes.

In MI. we did some practice the other day relaying pumpers together in a way that increased their outputs. It is important to keep training new recruits through redundancy and hands on practice. Perhaps we should consider having some of the other departments in the area join us in our training. Fabulous! 

In our training we followed some simple points:

1. Cleaning and dressing the hydrant

2. Making sure fittings, adaptors and hoses are found and connected properly.

3. Worked with turning on and off the pumps so as to not water hammer the pump, the hydrant or worse the local residence.

4. Controls and dials on some of the trucks. 

It makes no difference if you are new or seasoned because going over it can help in memorizing and becoming familiar with the systems.

The volunteer departments in the area that are really doing local heavy lifting are below so if you want to connect, volunteer or donate.

Bark River Fire Department

Ford River Fire Department 

Escanaba Twp. Fire Department (A central sort of hub for training and training space)

Ensign Twp Fire Department

Nahma Twp Fire Department

There are fulltime departments in Escanaba and Gladstone that I'm sure wouldn't turn down contributions and connecting with other departments for resource and knowledge sharing.