Portable Tanks and Fire Pumps: An Indispensable Duo in Wildland Firefighting

In the last few decades, wildland fires have risen both in frequency and intensity, threatening ecosystems, wildlife, and human communities across the globe. As these fiery challenges evolve, so too does the necessity for advanced firefighting techniques and equipment.

When battling wildland fires, the tools and strategies used can mean the difference between containment and catastrophe. Portable tanks and fire pumps are an indispensable pair of tools that enable firefighters to defeat blazes in the most remote and challenging terrains.

What Are Portable Tanks?

Portable tanks are collapsible water storage units that can be easily transported and quickly set up on-site during firefighting operations.

They serve as temporary reservoirs, ensuring a steady supply of water to firefighters especially in areas where natural or established water sources are scarce or inaccessible.

Types of Portable Tanks

• Frame Tanks: These are supported by a metal or alloy frame, often made of lightweight materials like aluminum. The frame holds the tank's shape, ensuring stability and reducing the chances of water spillage. They can be rectangular or circular in shape and often come with a liner to hold the water.
• Self-Supporting Tanks: These tanks can stand without an external frame. Their design is typically onion or pumpkin-shaped, allowing them to rise as they fill with water. The lack of a frame makes them lighter and often quicker to set up, but they might be less stable on uneven terrains.
• Pillow Tanks: These are flat, elongated tanks that resemble large pillows. They lie flat on the ground and expand horizontally as they fill. While they're very portable and can store a significant amount of water, their low profile means they're more susceptible to punctures if set up on rough terrains.

Capacity and Materials

Portable tanks can range in capacity from a few hundred to thousands of gallons, making them suitable for a variety of firefighting scenarios. Materials commonly used include high-grade PVC, rubber, or other industrial fabrics, chosen for their durability, resistance to punctures, and ability to withstand the rigors of the wildland environment.

Benefits

• Quick Deployment: Firefighters can set up these tanks within minutes, ensuring an immediate water source.
• Scalability: Depending on the fire's size and the available water sources, multiple tanks can be used in tandem to increase water storage capacity.
• Improved Water Source Management: Portable tanks allow firefighters to draw water from various sources, like ponds or streams, and then concentrate their efforts around the tanks, ensuring a more efficient firefighting strategy.

What Are Fire Pumps?

Fire pumps are machines designed to increase the water pressure or flow rate, enabling firefighters to transport water over longer distances and with greater force.

This enhanced pressure not only ensures that water reaches the affected areas but also that it's delivered with the force needed to combat flames effectively.

Types of Fire Pumps

• High-Pressure Pumps: Specifically designed to deliver water at intense pressures, these pumps are crucial when the firefighting strategy demands water to be sprayed forcefully, breaking through the heat barrier of a wildland fire and reaching its base.
• Volume Pumps: These are designed to move large volumes of water quickly, albeit at a lower pressure than high-pressure pumps. They are especially useful when there's a need to saturate large areas or support multiple hose lines.
• Floating Pumps: These versatile pumps are designed to float on water sources, like ponds or lakes, drawing water directly and supplying it to firefighters. Their main advantage is the ability to use natural water sources, even in remote locations.

Power Sources

• Gasoline: Common for its portability and easy refueling, gasoline-powered pumps are frequently used in wildland firefighting scenarios.
• Diesel: Often chosen for larger pumps due to its efficiency and longer burning time, diesel can be a reliable choice for prolonged firefighting operations.
• Battery-operated: A quieter and more environmentally friendly option, battery-operated pumps are becoming increasingly popular, especially for smaller-scale operations or in areas where noise might be a concern.

Benefits

• Adaptability to Varying Water Sources: Fire pumps can draw water from a variety of sources, be it portable firefighting tanks, natural water bodies, or hydrants, making them versatile tools in the firefighting arsenal.
• Efficient Water Delivery: With their ability to increase pressure and volume, fire pumps ensure water is not just available but is also effectively applied to battle flames.
• Portability and Ease of Use: Modern fire pumps are designed with user-friendliness in mind. Lightweight materials and ergonomic designs make them both portable and relatively straightforward to operate.

How to Use Portable Tanks and Fire Pumps

Here's a step-by-step guide on how portable pumps and tanks are set up, integrated, and used in the field for efficient fire control.

Assess the Site

Choose a level spot for setting up the portable tank. Avoid slopes or areas with sharp objects that could puncture the tank. Ensure that the site is easily accessible for wildland firefighters, hoses, and, if necessary, vehicles.

Set Up the Portable Tank

Carefully spread the portable tank on the chosen site. For frame tanks, assemble the frame first and then fit the liner. Once set up, secure the tank to prevent it from shifting due to water weight or external forces.

Prepping the Fire Pump

Place the portable pump at a convenient distance from the tank, considering the length of the suction hose. After ensuring that the pump has sufficient fuel (or is fully charged in the case of battery-operated pumps), start the pump and let it run idle for a short period to ensure it's working properly.

Connecting the Pump to the Tank

Attach one end of the suction hose to the pump and the other end to the portable tank. Ensure all connections are tight to avoid air leaks. Connect the discharge hose to the pump. This hose will be used to transport water to the firefighting area.

Filling the Tank

If you're drawing water from natural sources like ponds, rivers, or a hydrant, ensure that another suction hose is connected to the source and the portable tank. Use a strainer at the end of the suction hose to prevent debris from entering the tank. Keep an eye on the water level in the portable tank to prevent overflows and ensure a continuous supply.

Operating the Fire Pump

Adjust the pump settings to get the desired water pressure and flow rate based on the firefighting strategy. Regularly monitor the pump's performance, ensuring it doesn't overheat or show signs of malfunction.

Safety First

Ensure that no one stands directly in the line of the discharge hose when the pump is activated. The initial pressure surge can be forceful. Periodically check the portable tank, hoses, and pump for signs of wear, leakage, or any other issues.

Wrapping Up

Once the operation is over, drain any remaining water from the tank and the hoses. Clean them to remove any debris or contaminants. Carefully disassemble the equipment, ensuring all components are stored safely for the next use.

Portable Solutions for Wildfires

In the fight against increasingly fierce wildfires, portable tanks and fire pumps are irreplaceable firefighting tools to have in your arsenal. These indispensable tools enable water access and efficient delivery, forming a crucial asset in tackling the growing threat of wildfires.