Brunei: Brunei Fire/Rescue Department Water Tender

Volvo FL10/ SK Fire Water Tender Ladder no.3

The 1998 Volvo FL10 with SK Fire bodyworks Water Tender Ladder no.3 (WRL3). The WRL3 are stationed at Seris FRS to replaced the ageing Shelvoke & Drewry SPV/McAlister WRL and Bedford TK/McAlister WRL operated by the station. Now it is the main appliance of the station which act as 1st strike appliance while waiting for the water tanker and the emergency tender from the station.

Source: Link

Arizona: Fire Department Water Tenders

More Fire Department Water Tenders from youngstownfire.com
Arizona Fire Department Apparatus Wittmann Fire Department - Water Tender
Down the road from Wickenburg is the town of Wittmann. This GMC Water Tender is on their roster.
Photo credit: phil/las photo -youngstownfire.com/forums - link

Dolan Springs/ Lake Mohave Ranchos Fire District -Water Tender
The Dolan Springs/ Lake Mohave Ranchos Fire District just placed into service this 2008 Kenworth/Fouts Brothers 1500/3500/60 Foam Water Tender
Photo credit: phil/las photo -youngstownfire.com/forums - link

Meadview Water Tender
Meadview also runs this 3500gwt Water Tender mounted on a Freightliner Chassis
Photo credit: phil/las photo -youngstownfire.com/forums - link

Two firefighters hurt as truck rolls over

Two firefighters hurt as truck rolls over
TOWN OF NEWARK - A water tanker truck from the Orfordville Fire Department rolled over while responding to a fire and two firefighters were injured Monday.

Chad Cleasby, 31, of Orfordville, was flown by React helicopter to Rockford Memorial Hospital after the accident, and Michael Ponkauska, 54, of Orfordville was taken to Beloit Memorial Hospital. Both had non-life-threatening injuries.

The firefighters were responding at about 1:30 p.m. to a report of a vehicle on fire in a shed at 8314 W. St. Lawrence Road, about five miles west of Beloit. The truck full of water was southbound on South County Road H just south of West Mill Pond Road where the road makes an 80 degree turn to the right. An ambulance and fire truck made the sharp turn. However, as the tender truck made the turn it rolled over on County Road H. Several citizens saw the crash and called 911 and assisted the firefighters. Town of Beloit Police and Rock County Sheriff's Department officers responded to the accident.

Cleasby had freed himself from the cab, but Ponkauskas remained trapped in the cab until extrication equipment arrived.

The Rock County Sheriff's Department is conducting the investigation. Preliminary investigations indicate speed was a factor in the crash.

Firefighting Foam contaminates water supply

CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS: U.S. News: Firefighting Foam contaminates water supply

Fire trucks' water pressure overwhelmed the city's drinking supply lines and pushed fire-suppression foam into them as firefighters tried to extinguish a burning Strip District warehouse, Pittsburgh's director of public safety said Wednesday.

Two pumper trucks were connected to fire hydrants for a long time Tuesday afternoon, said Public Safety Director Mike Huss, and as the pressure built up in the truck lines, it overwhelmed the drinking water lines' force.

"It's highly unusual, and we're surprised that it did it," Huss said.

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority advised people Downtown and in the Strip District not to use water for a few hours into yesterday morning, until the foam could be flushed from the system.

Ingesting less than an ounce of the biodegradable foam wouldn't pose a health threat, but it can irritate skin and eyes, said Bob Hutton, a project coordinator for the authority. Callers began complaining about soapy-looking water Tuesday afternoon.

Firefighters allowed the four-alarm fire, which started Tuesday morning in the former Otto Milk Co. complex at 25th and Smallman streets, to burn overnight because of difficulties extinguishing it in cork- and foam-insulated walls. The building continued smoldering yesterday.

Fire Chief Darryl Jones said he had not seen the foam problem in the 20 years he has fought fires.

"We are going to make some adjustments to make sure it doesn't happen again," he said.

The fire apparently started when a construction crew's cutting torch ignited insulation in the building, the construction crew manager said. The building's owner, Jack Benoff, was gutting the building and plans to convert it to condominiums.

Source: Full story and updates at: pittsburghlive.com

Firefighting Foam contaminates water supply

Fire foam contaminates water supply

4,755 gallon Close Support Tanker For Water (CSTW)

4,755 gallon Close Support Tanker For Water

Cab Seating:
3-person

Axle Configuration: 6x6

Curb Weight (VCW): 28,000 lbs (12,700 kg)

Gross Combined Weight Rating: (GCWR): 122,000 lbs (55338 kg)

Fifth Wheel Vertical Loading: 32,000 lbs (14515 kg)
Length: 297.4 in. (7554 mm)
Width: 98 in. (2489 mm)
Height: 140 in. (3556 mm) Reducible to 98 in.
(2489 mm) with preparation
Track: 80.8 in. (2052 mm)
Wheelbase: 184 in. (4674 mm)
Maximum Speed: 65 mph (105 km/h)
Tires: 16.00R20 XZL Michelin
Wheels: 20 in. x 10 in. (508 mm x 254 mm) two piece bolt
together, steel disc
Central Tire Inflation System: Standard
Fifth Wheel: Fully oscillating with 2 in. SAE kingpin capability
(3.5 in. optional)
Fuel Capacity: 78 gal. (295 liters)
Cruising Range: 300 mi. (483 km)
Fording: 60 in. without kits (1524 mm)
Transportability: •C5, C17, and C141 aircraft (w/preparation)
• CH53 Helicopter at VCW
• Shipboard crane loading at VCW
Engine:
Caterpillar®, C-12 electronic control, 425 HP
Transmission:
Allison 4700SP, automatic electronic control
Transfer Case:
Oshkosh 30000 Series
Suspension:
Oshkosh TAK-4™ independent suspension system
Electrical System:
24 volt vehicle with 12 volt/10 amp accessory
in cab, 12/24 volt trailer attachment, 150 amp alternator
Brakes:
Anti-Lock Brake System with automatic traction control
Steering:
All wheel mechanical steer
Turning Diameter:
60 ft. curb to curb

Axles:
(2) BPW Model 10110 E36.1 Eco Plus tubular non-driving axles
2 x 22,046 lb. rating
82.5 in. track width
Brakes, Service:
BPW S-Cam, air-operated, drum type brakes with internal shoe
Brakes, Parking and Emergency:
BPW S-Cam spring brakes on first axle
Interlocked with pumping system
16.5 x 7.9 in.
Gross Weight:
58,422 lbs.
Electrical System:
24-volt with road legal lighting and convoy lights
Kingpin:
SAE 3.5-inch (89 mm) dia. with a 70.7 in. design height
Pumping Module:
Self-priming stainless steel centrifugal water pump
264.2 gal./min. capacity
Piping:
Stainless steel, welded construction with flanged
or threaded connections
Trace heating elements on manifold prevent freezing
Self-cleaning
Manhole:
(2) 19.7 in. dia. hinged fill covers
Overall Length: 408.3 in.
Suspension: BPW air suspension on two axles
Tank:
4,755 gal. capacity, single compartment tank with two lateral
baffles and two longitudinal baffles
Cylindrical and conical sections with domed ends constructed
of cold-rolled AISI 316L stainless steel with a .18 in. tank shell
Contents gauge with external reading display is standard
Insulation: 4 inches surrounding tank, stainless steel clad
Tires:
Michelin® 16.00 R20 XZL
One spare

Fire in Taj banquet hall water tenders save building

Fire in Taj banquet hall
Short-circuit suspected; firemen take 30 mins to control blaze; lobby, kitchen damaged

Express News Service
Chandigarh, January 21:

Fire broke out in the banquet hall of Taj GVK this evening, creating panic in the area. Though there was no casualty, a portion of the five-star hotel’s lobby, kitchen and banquet hall suffered damage. The exact cause of the fire could not be ascertained till late night, but according to fire officials it seemed to be the result of a short-circuit in the banquet hall.

The fire, which started around 3.55 pm, was brought under control in about 25-30 minutes, but the fire-fighters had a tough time detecting the source of thick smoke, which had engulfed the hotel lobby on the ground floor and even upper floors. As many as 43 rooms of the hotel were occupied at that time. All the guests and other visitors were evacuated immediately.

While a few guests were transferred to Hotel Mountview, others refused to leave without their belongings. They were seen hanging around as the fire-fighting operations were in progress.

“Because of the structure of the hotel building, there was no exit for the smoke. We had to break the lobby glasses. After conducting a thorough check, we restored electricity at about 7 pm, after which the hotel staff started cleaning operations,” said one of the fire officers.

Besides four water tenders, a Bronto skylift, water-boozer, exhauster and other fire-fighting equipment were used in the operation carried out by around 35-40 fire-fighters. Ishwar Dass, the leading fireman, fell unconscious because of the thick smoke. He was admitted to General Hospital, Sector 16, where he was given medical treatment.

In-house fire-fighting system ‘Inadequate’
z The fire has raised questions on the in-house fire fighting capabilities of the hotel. The guests said they didn’t hear any fire alarm when the fire broke out. “The hose reel and hydrants inside the hotel didn’t function also didn’t function,” said Fire Officer JS Kang. When asked whether the NOC of the hotel will be suspended because of this “inadequacy”, Fire Officer cum Joint Commissioner H.S. Khandola, said: “It will be too harsh to suspend the NOC of the hotel because of this incident. Now that everything is in control, we don’t think that the suspension is required.” Guests ‘harassed’
A number of guests who were asked to evacuate were seen worried about their luggage and other belongings left inside. Jake, a tourist from Chicago, complained that no fire alarm was used. “I was working on my laptop when someone knocked at my door and informed me about the fire.” Another guest had a worse experience. “When I got a call on my mobile that there is fire on the ground floor, I rushed downstairs, but got lost as the exit signs were not clearly marked. The hotel staff were more confused.” Taj GVK general manager Anil Malhotra said they didn’t use the fire alarm “because they didn’t want to create a panic”. “It was just smoke and there were no flames. We are trying to find out the cause of fire. Except a few glasses that were broken to give a way out to the smoke, nothing else got damaged or burnt. The banquet hall, it seems, won’t be functional for some time. Our hotel’s coffee shop, all restaurants and bar have started functioning as usual,” he said.

Down in the drainage - Canyon Incident

This picture was shot down along a creek near Boy Scout camp during the Del Puerto Canyon Fire.
This was taken when I was heading out and this LG Strike team firefighter asked me to side spray it and cool it down which I did with front spray head and side deluge head quickly controlling the spot fire. -Canyon Incident


Picture copyright free for non profit ROC 2006

From the top of a mountain during the Del Puerto Canyon fire

Nice header from Canyon Incident fire is heading for the San Antonio valley. This picture shows the beautiful goat trails that are considered roads out here.

Top of the world Canyon Incident

Just supporting a long 11/2 mile downhill hose lay for mop up at the Canyon fire.

Cool water truck staging at Del Purteo Canyon fire

Cool water trucks is the name of the company, Cool water tender at Canyon Incident.

All Terrain water tender- Canyon Fire - Del puerto

Picture of the backside of the All Terrain water tender rig leaving a hose lay.

After the head passed

- Firestorm has just passed here and this is where we were originally supposed to be on the fire line Del puerto Canyon Fire near Voice of America transmiters. This is a Cal Hydro water Tender and a real nice Central valley local Government water tender.

The fire got here early...

The fire got here early or we were late picture of "Oh Shit Incident" Plan "B" Execution...

Oh Shit incident - Canyon Fire - Del puerto Canyon

Photo By R. O'Connor CC
Another Del Puerto Canyon "Oh Shit Incident" picture this was not a retreat it was a fast tactical re-adjustment due to prevailing conditions.


fire trail



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Oh Shit incident - Canyon Fire - Del puerto Canyon California 2006

The true story of the infamous "Oh Shit incident"

Picture from water tender at Canyon Fire (Del Puerto Canyon)

This was taken out of the window of water tender turning around on a goat trail near the VOA antenna farm during the Del Puerto Canyon fire summer 0f 2006.

We affectionately refer to the subsequent change of plans as the "Oh Shit incident"
My water tender was part of a water tender strike team with four local government water tenders and a Cal Fire supervisor, we had dozer's somewhere further ahead of us and we had passed some dozer's on the trail/road earlier.

A CDF supervisor, a local government water tender and myself got a bit ahead of the other water tenders going up the steep roads and after a hour or so of driving to the fire the fire meet us apparently with the help of a late morning wind change the fire decided to meet us head on,

just as a real nice local government water tender, a CDF leader, and my water tender reached the top of a saddle at a fire road intersection and temporarily parked to sort out and decide proper staging for the trucks I soon realized the fire was coming up a chimney like draw right at us towards the saddle we were parked on.
I pointed this out to the super and we agreed Oh Shit it may be time to go somewhere else.

This left very few choices that seemed good!

1.) Up to the VOA site on the top of the fire but a supposedly safe area? but would require driving up a very steep washed out grade which once any water spilled would not only be impassable but life threatening dangerous with the approaching fire and chance of roll over.

Probably was not doable even if half the load of water had been dumped first. Maybe with half load of water and rear lockers or full six wheel drive.

2.) Deploy the trucks in a safe zone right there was the first plan but was soon determined to be too small and unsafe and became a back up plan.

Find emergency fire shelter deployment area in my mind.
Which at this point I was holding in my hand and I had put on every piece of PPE, Nomex, gloves, helmet, goggles everything which we are required to have and more.

3.) Continue along road to large safe area further up which had only one problem associated with it, That was towards the flare up and ran along the crest of the hill above the fire flaming up that side of the hill.

At this point my side spray was pointed directly at the flames coming up the chimney but the Cal Fire Boss wanted to save the water we had just spent hours getting to this area of the fire which was about 30,000 acres at this point. And if you think about it he was escorting over twenty thousand gallons of water to the seat of the fire where it was sorely needed.

Ok it's your water? Whats the plan boss?
















In hindsight: We would of probably made it but it would of been foolish.


4.) Turn around and go back down the road we just came up and get off the top of the hill to the leeward side of the firestorm.

Sounds good! Lets go! With the Cal Fire Boss leading and then my 2400 gallon truck followed up by a big 5000 gallon Hughson Fire department water tender which is a local central San Joaquin Valley fire department rig we get turned around and head back down the road off the top and right into these water tenders coming up.

So we get turned around headed down hill and right then the other rigs coming up arrive!
Oh Oh Shit! the other Local Gov water tenders caught up to us!
coming up all on a fire trail with a spotting firestorm on three sides of us..
and behind them a bunch of CDF wild land rigs are coming up.

So the driver of the rig I am now pointed at nose to nose on this narrow road has the biggest "Oh Shit" look in his eyes and a funny look comes over him as he has just realized he needs to back his rig down this goat path he just drove up while letting the CDF rigs pass by to fight the rapidly approaching fire front which is in the background.

Cal Hydro water tender at Canyon Fire

Cal Hydro water tender preforming a strategic repositioning maneuver!

At this point backing downhill in front of me are is the rest of the strike team of 3 Local Gov water tenders, a strike team of local government structure protection engines. And the whole time we are trying to find small road side cut outs to let the CDF rigs pass to attack the fire behind us.










Oh Shit!

once the bunch of CDF/Cal Fire wildland engines passed us, the crews jumped out and knocked the heat out of the main fire below the

Picture of VOA Antenna during Canyon Fire

VOA antenna's, residential house and outbuildings at the top. CDF/CalFire made a great stop on a very steep and dry mixed grass, oaks, Chemise and brush terrain and an almost vertical fire line.

View out of water tender, drivers window of spot fire across a small canyon

The fire was spotting badly and rapidly jumping from canyon top to canyon top across the ridge lines...

This fire was a small spot fire across a draw only minutes before

After the fire passed our original stopping point and CDF crews had moved further on we got turned around and came right back to the area we had just left,
for now we had returned to ground zero of an fire line event that will always be called the "Oh Shit incident"At this time on my own initiative I began to aggressively fight the small fires still burning in the base of a fence post! unable to successfully extinguish the flames alone due to dehydration I was soon joined in this en devour with the LG tender crews.

We sized up the situation and reckoned the need to conserve the precious water in the trucks and so we used our own personal God given fire hose and deploying a relay system of "hands on" and directed attacks on the base of the fire successfully saved an old wooden fence post in a timely and very efficient manner.

Original story at Water Trucks and Water Tenders: Oh Shit

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Cal Hydro water tender 2004 San Antone fire

First of many photo's of Water Trucks, Water Tenders, Fire Equipment, Fires

Photo by Robert O'Connor
Water Tender Cal Hydro at San Antone Incident

This is a brand spanking new blog about Water Trucks and Water tenders

Water Trucks, Water Tankers or Water Tenders are they the same thing?

Out here in the west they all would be a different vehicle or piece of equipment on a fire. The following are my first definitions.

What is a Water Truck? - A Water Truck is any highway truck with a tank and water pumps for delivering a bulk supply of potable or non potable water. 2000 to 4000 gallons water tank ,possibly with spray heads and hose reels.

What is a Water Tanker? -Is a water / fire retardant dropping Aircraft out here on a wildland fire.

On the highway a Water Tanker is truck or semi truck with a large potable water tank or tanks. 4000 to 12,000 gallon capacity possibly with spray heads and hose reels.

What is a Water Tender? -A Water Tender is a water truck with water pumps, fire hose, special equipment, operator training, PPE, communications , for supplying water to on line fire equipment at wild land fire, and rural structure fire scene's. Out here in the west 2000 to 5000 gallons of water, drafting ability, spray heads and hose reels, road spray bars, off load dumping, possibly foam/class A or other special equipment.