Most of the mercantile areas are protected by high volume hydrants. These
"blue tops" are sufficient to supply two independent pumping operations.
Utilizing nearby hydrants effectively eliminates the need for extended hose lays
from distant hydrants which often result in blocked access for other emergency vehicles and blocked egress
for citizens who need to remove their vehicles from the fire area. There is also
some strategic value when supply engines aren't spread over a wide area.
Some sample scenarios where 2-pumper hookups may be useful include:
- One engine supplies tactical lines while another supplies a sprinkler or standpipe FDC.
- One engine supplies tactical lines while another supplies an elevated stream.
- Deployment of multiple large defensive lines
- Defensive / offensive operations which result in a radical difference in
operating pressures between smaller diameter interior lines and large defensive
or exposure lines.
These are but a few of the tactical possibilities where it would be convenient to
connect multiple engines to a single hydrant.
Achieving
Maximum
Flow from
Hydrants