Water Supply

Question 1

Rural and non-hydrant areas are those areas were hydrants are more than _______ feet from the occupancy on fire?

Answer 1

Hydrants are more than 2000 feet from the occupancy on fire

Question 2

What are the three types of rural water supply operations?

Answer 2

Nursing operations.
Relay operations.
Shuttle operations.

Question 3

What are the four goals of rural water supply operations? (REEU)

Answer 3

The goals of rural water supply operations are to be:
Rapid.
Efficient.
Expandable.
Uninterrupted.

Question 4

During rural water supply operations, who is designated as the dump site unit leader (DSUL)?

Answer 4

The OIC from the 3rd engine will be tasked as the dumpsite unit leader and will manage water operations until the arrival of an additional command officer or arrival of the Command Officer from the Tanker Task Force. The DSUL reports to the Water Supply Group Supervisor

Question 5

During rural water supply operations, what is the DSUL responsible for setting up and maintaining?

Answer 5

The DSUL is responsible for setting up and maintaining the operations at the dump site, should confirm a staging area has been established and the best route of travel for tankers to prevent apparatus from obstructing access to the dumpsite.

Question 6

What is a Direct Fill operation?

Answer 6

A direct fill operation is a nursing operation that provides immediate water to the fire ground eliminating the need for portable dump tanks.in a short driveway scenario, the second tanker transfers water and joins the shuttle ops. In a long driveway, the second tanker becomes the dump site.

Question 7

What is an advantage of a direct fill operation in regards to resources to the incident scene?

Answer 7

This tactic delivers more resources to the incident scene affording the opportunity for a quick or size up in rapidfire attack.

Question 8

During a direct fill operation, what does the 2nd tanker do in a short driveway (<200’) scenario?

Answer 8

In a short driveway scenario, the 2nd Tanker will transfer water to the 1st tanker and then become part of the shuttle operation.

Question 9

During a direct fill operation, what does the 2nd Tanker do in a long driveway (>200’) scenario?

Answer 9

In the long driveway scenario the 2nd tanker will position to receive water from units in the shuttle and serve as the dump site.

Question 10

During rural water supply operations, who is assigned as the FSUL or Fill Site Unit Leader?

Answer 10

The FSUL is the OIC from the 5th engine and supervisors all activities at the fill site. The fill site reports to the water supply group supervisor (WSGS) and is responsible for setting up and maintaining all operations at the fill site

Question 11

What defines a non-hydrant area?

Answer 11

A non-hydrant area includes all known locations where hydrants are more than 2000 feet from a given structure. The definition should also include areas where infrastructure has failed and or limited access highways were supply operations may significantly affect the mitigation of the incident.

Question 12

What is a nursing operation?

Answer 12

A nursing operation may be used in place of a dumpsite operation when the DSUL or WSGS deems it necessary. First arriving engine and first tanker will be positioned at the fire location for attack and a tanker will be at the dumpsite supplying water to the attack apparatus through a clappered Siamese.

Question 13

What is a nurse Tanker?

Answer 13

A tanker that proceeds with the initial attack engine to the incident scene and provides water as needed for the initial attack.

Question 14

What is a Relay Operation?

Answer 14

A procedure that uses 3 or fewer engines to supply the attack Engine through a supply line that should not exceed 3000’.

Question 15

What is the NOVA spec recommendation for a Tanker pump and tank size?

Answer 15

In NOVA, a tanker is recommended to have a minimum 1000 GPM pump and a 2000 gallon water tank.

Question 16

In a rural water supply operation, who is assigned as the water supply group supervisor or WSGS?

Answer 16

The second arriving Command Officer.

*The third engine officer, working as the DSUL, will be initially responsible for the duties of the WSGS until relieved. The second arriving command officer should be assigned the WSGS.

Question 17

What are the responsibilities of the WSGS?

Answer 17

Position at the dump site. Evaluate the filling in transit capacity of the operation, expand/contract group as needed. Establish in coordinate fill sites, dump sites, travel routes, relay operations. Determine needs of the water supply incident. Ensure tankers get priority fill and direct fill sites. Ensure adequate resources. Establish alternate radio channel for water supply operations.

Question 18

What are the initial roles and responsibilities of the DSUL?

Answer 18

Manage dumpsite. Evaluate and implement travel route for incoming tankers. If a shuttle is to be used, recommend travel route of tankers to ensure units move in a loop. Designate staging area for units that will be abandoned. Evaluate water supply operations as needed. Keep WSGS apprised of amount of water available. Coordinate traffic control with law-enforcement. Ensure tankers get priority at dumpsites. Ensure water transfer is safe and efficient. Calculate turnaround time in GPM per unit and shuttle. Expand nursing or dumpsite operations as needed. Monitor dumpsite for safety.

Question 19

What actions might the DSUL take to ensure safe working conditions at a dumpsite?

Answer 19

Provide personnel operating in the area with appropriate protective safety vests, ensure appropriate lighting, minimize strobes or other lights that may blind incoming drivers, and in rare instances appoint a safety officer to the dump site.

Question 20

What are the roles and responsibilities of the fill site unit leader or FSUL?

Answer 20

Manage all activities at the fill site. Keep WSGS apprised of the fill site conditions upon request. Coordinate traffic control with law-enforcement. Ensure tankers get priority at the fill sites. Ensure units are filled in the most efficient and safest manner possible.

Question 21

During rural water supply incidents, who is responsible for determining the water supply plan while in route to the call using the map book or pre-plans?

Answer 21

The first arriving engine company is responsible for determining water supply plan while in route. The first arriving engine officer shall determine and announce the fill site locations, including types/capacities, and which water supply operation will be used.

Question 22

At rural water supply operations, where is the dumpsite typically located?

Answer 22

The dump site is typically located near the end of the driveway leading to the structure but must be in a location that allows for easy access, turn around, and travel routes for shuttle operations

Question 23

Once a dumpsite has been established, what should additional arriving engine companies do to support the water supply?

Answer 23

Companies arriving on the scene after the dump site has been created need to support the water supply by transferring their water to the dump site. Either a tanker tanker will position as the dumpsite or portable/dump tanks will be used.

Question 24

What electronic governor mode should fill site engines used when drafting or filling to prevent damage to tanks?

Answer 24

Fill site engines with electronic governor controls need to always draft and fill in RPM mode as pressure mode can cause damage to tanks.

Question 25

Why should Engines engage the electronic governor controls in rpm mode when drafting?

Answer 25

When drafting, the engine company is generating no pressure and the pumps will think it is cavitating, causing the built-in safety mechanism to shut down the pump after a short period of time. When in rpm mode this does not occur in allows the engine company to perform the draft.

Question 26

At a fill site, who will connect and disconnect the fill lines as needed to facilitate a rapid turnaround for units coming and departing the fill site?

Answer 26

The fill sight crew will connect and disconnect the fill lines

Question 27

All personnel must wear traffic vests and shower wear personal flotation devices or PFD‘s when working within ________ feet of an open water source?

Answer 27

If working within 10 feet of an open water source

Question 28

During rural water supply operations, what formula is used to determine Tanker flow calculations?

Answer 28

Tanker Flow = (capacity - 20%)
———————
Round trip time

Example: A tanker with a 2500 gallon water tank and a travel and fill time of 10 minutes will typically provide 200 gallons per minute fireflow on the fire ground. 

Question 29

It is recommended that pre-plans for all non-hydrant areas be completed and sent to all applicable engine companies and tanker stations. How shall stations maintain these preplans?

Answer 29

All stations shall maintain a rural water supply pre-plan book in either paper or electronic format.

Question 30

What does Virginia code title 27–20 7–20 State in regards to water usage agreement?

Answer 30

The section has been interpreted as allowing fire departments in fire companies the right to acquire water from whatever source is available to prevent the spread of fire

Question 31

To benefit public relations, the owners of privately owned water sources with no public access should be contacted and a ________ ________ _______should be filled out, signed by the respective parties and kept on file.

Answer 31

Water usage agreement

Question 32

A Tanker Task Force will be dispatched on all structure fire incidents in non-hydrant areas. What units are included at a minimum in a Tanker Task Force?

Answer 32

One engine.
Three tankers.
One command officer.

Question 33

How should Tanker staffing be augmented if the tanker is dispatched without an Engine?

Answer 33

It is strongly recommended that an additional fire fighter is placed on the unit for a crew of two.

Question 34

When dispatched to a structure fire in a non-hydrant area and there is a need to initiate interior offensive operations ASAP, what type of fire attack should be considered to effectively extend firefighting operations by using less water?

Answer 34

The OIC should consider the use of CAFS as the operation uses less water.

Question 35

Roles and responsibilities of nursing operations:

See attachment

Answer 35

Question 36

With proper planning, what is the maximum distance feasible for relay operations using 4 inch hose?

Answer 36

With proper planning, really operations with 4 inch hose are feasible at distances over 1 mile.

Question 37

What are dry hydrants?

Answer 37

Dry hydrants are typically installed in static water sources it will bring the water source to an accessible location. They should be back flushed and tested every six months. All units need a 4 1/2 inch to 6 inch double female NPT adapter and a 6 inch double female to draft from the dry hydrant

Question 38

How often should storage tanks installed in subdivisions be checked for proper operation?

Answer 38

Systems should be checked every six months for proper operations.

• Upkeep on these tanks and piping is a concern, as it is not always clear who is responsible for maintaining the systems.

Question 39

What are the typical size of dump tanks?

Answer 39

1500 gal = 10’3” x 10’3” x 30”
2100 gal = 11’3” x 11’3” x 30”
2500 gal = 12’3” x 12’3” x 30”
3000 gal = 13’3” x 13’3” x 30”

Question 40

What is the maximum flow for a low level strainer?

Answer 40

Low level suction strainers have a maximum flow of 750 GPM and can use available water down to approximately 2”

Question 41

What is the minimum flow for a Low Profile Jet Siphon Strainer?

Answer 41

This device will generally provide a minimum flow of 500 GPM. It utilizes a charged 1.75 inch hose to establish a continuous flow and is used to transfer water from one tank to another.

Question 42

What is the advantage of a supply line holder attached to a dumpsite tank?

Answer 42

The supply line holder allows for the use of 3 or 4 inch hose to provide a remote location for engines to connect and pump off water away from the draft site. This allows tankers easy access to the dump tank.

Question 43

What is the maximum flow of a jet siphon?

Answer 43

A jet siphon is able to move up to 800 GPM between tanks as needed

Question 44

What is the advantage of using a turbo draft device when drafting?

Answer 44

A turbo draft device allows a unit to access a water supply that would normally be out of reach when using a hard suction hose.

Question 45

Automatic air primers may be equipped a new apparatus or retrofitted to existing apparatus. This device activates in purges air when the discharge pressure drops below what psi?

Answer 45

An automatic mode, this device will allow for the primer to automatically begin priming whenever the discharge pressure drops below 20 psi

Question 46

As a general rule of thumb, a tanker shuttle is likely a better choice in rural water supply operations if the distance to the water source is greater than a pumper relay involving what number of pumpers?

Answer 46

If the distance to the water source is greater than a 3 pumper relay, a tanker shuttle is likely a better choice.

Question 47

What is the maximum amount of hose allowable between engines operating in a relay?

Answer 47

When operating in a relay, a maximum of 1000 feet is allowable between engines.

Question 48

In a relay operation, what is the minimum size supply line to be used and the required minimum GPM to be supplied.

Answer 48

Supply : one 4” LDH and a minimum of 500 gpm flow

Question 49

What is the minimum amount of fill stations that should be supplied by the engine operating the fill site?

Answer 49

Each fill site should support a minimum of 2 fill stations. If more are needed, consider a separate fill site at another location.

Question 50

At what flow rate and psi should the fill site engine fill tankers at a minimum?

Answer 50

The engine operating the fill site should fill tankers at a minimum rate of 1000 GPM at 100 psi. One at a time.