INTRODUCTION

The following procedures are examples of low water pressure evolutions based on the procedures of the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, presented for illustrative purposes. The Burrito is a non-rigid self-supporting portable water tank. While it is more efficient to deploy the Burrito with a crew of 3, a single fire fighter could place this tank in service if necessary. The example presented here is of the Burrito that is carried on E-642 (the 750 GPM, 1250 gallon tender-engine stationed in Rheem.) The Burrito has a capacity of 1500 gallons. Water can be obtained from the Burrito by means of drafting, a floating pump and helicopter bucket.

SETTING UP THE BURRITO

In setting up the Burrito, a reasonably level location should be selected where water tenders can reasonably gain access to dump into the tank. While individual situations may vary, the following steps represent a practical and reliable way to deploy the portable tank. Spot the tender-engine in a location where the Burrito can be deployed behind it and where the tender-engine can readily depart once the tank is filled. Remove the tarp wrapped Burrito from the hose bed and place it lengthwise behind the center of the tender-engine, just clear of the tailboard. Unfold the tarp and spread it out to protect the Burrito from punctures. Unfold the Burrito Spread the base of the Burrito evenly in all directions to remove folds and wrinkles. Key Points: Before unfolding and spreading the Burrito, make sure that the fill tube is pointed towards the dump valve on the tender-engine. (See footnote) The tarp reasonably protects the Burrito from punctures, however the sides of the tank may roll or slide past the tarp while the tank is being set up. Watch for and remove sharp rocks and thorny plants such as yellow star thistle and bull artichokes prior to spreading out the tank. (Small punctures will not result in a failure of the tank, however they will be a nuisance and result in a minor loss of water.) Maintain alignment between the Burrito and the tender-engine when spreading so that the orientation doesn't have to be changed and new wrinkles removed after the tank is originally spread out.

Placing the "bundle" behind the engine Unfolding the tank Spreading evenly / removing wrinkles

Footnotes: If you have the time to consider various setup options, you should consider the following: If the surface is sloped, there is an advantage when breaking down the Burrito if the fill tube is pointing down hill. If immediate deployment is not a priority or the Burrito may have to be redeployed, positioning the drain tube "downhill" will expedite the draining and "packing up" process. If the tender-engine cannot be backed up to the fill tube's ideal position, the large soft suction or 50' length of LDH can be used and an extension of the dump valve. If the Burrito is deployed with the fill tube "uphill," skim out trapped water with the Floto-Pump before attempting to turn the tank over to drain off the remaining water. Continue to Filling the Burrito Return to Water Supply Index Back to Information Section