| This past Tuesday, LPFD crews participated in a critical training session focused on drafting water and operating large hose lines. As parts of our township are not fully serviced by traditional water systems, several areas lack fire hydrants, necessitating alternative water sources during firefighting operations.
Fire hydrants, when available, are essential for supplying fire engines with a steady water flow to effectively combat fires. While LPFD fire engines carry approximately 750 gallons of water onboard, the standard hose line used in firefighting consumes 185 gallons per minute (GPM), which can deplete onboard reserves quickly.
In areas without hydrant access, our teams have several options. We can draft water from natural sources such as pools, rivers, and streams, or utilize portable ponds set up by specialized units known as tankers. These tankers, which carry between 2,500 and 5,000 gallons of water, work in coordination to maintain a continuous water supply.
During this week’s training, LPFD crews, with assistance from the Worcester Volunteer Fire Department, practiced drawing water from portable ponds and efficiently delivering it to simulated fire locations. This hands-on training is vital to ensuring our teams are prepared to respond effectively to emergencies in areas lacking hydrant coverage.
We would like to extend our thanks to Station 83 for their support and collaboration in this training exercise. |
