Rural Water Supply Operations
 
By Chief Curtis Hall
August 27, 2025
 

As part of an ongoing Engine Company Operations Class, Tuesday night's training focused on rural water supply operations. Crews rotated as much as possible during the evening. Operations conducted at Willow Mill Park were: Siamese Supply, Folda Tank Set Up and Use, Fill Sites, and Handlines. With the "northern" section of Silver Spring Township without hydrants, rural water delivery is an essential part of engine company operations. E33 was set up as the supply engine to Squad 31. E31 and T33 shuttled water, while MP33 was set up to refill those units. Focus with the siamese was to establish a quick water supply, then successfully transition to a folda tank operation, once flows of over 800gpm would be needed. With the folda tank set up, all 3 drafting sleeves off E33 were needed to get a draft; while this isn't practical, it did work without a problem. It was a good evening and everyone had something to take away. A fire call was handled as crews were preparing to leave the training exercise.