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The Mack Super Pumper was a locomotive engined fire fighter (2018)

(bangshift.com)
148 points mstngl | 2 comments | 03 Nov 25 20:37 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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linsomniac ◴[03 Nov 25 23:45 UTC] No.45805869[source]▶
SysAdmin related: I was once talking to a fire chief and I asked about how much water the fire engines carried. He said that they carry about enough to put out the typical house fire. The first engine on scene immediately jumps to fighting the fire. The second engine on scene hooks the first engine up to the water supply before going on to fight the fire.

I've often thought about that when there's a work crisis: If I'm the second on the scene, what can I do to support those fighting the fire right now, before jumping in.

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dreamcompiler ◴[03 Nov 25 23:54 UTC] No.45805945[source]▶
Our engine holds 1200 gallons. It goes in first* and starts putting the wet stuff on the red stuff.

As the engine drives in it drops a 3" hose along its path. Next is our big tender with 3000 gallons. It stops at the street and connects to the dropped hose to pump more water up to the engine.

The tender also has a drop tank -- think about a portable kids' wading pool but much larger and deeper. Shuttle tenders refill the drop tank while our big tender draws from it to continue supplying the engine.

We don't have fire hydrants, so this is the dance we have to do.

* It's very important to park the engine close to the fire but not too close. Ask me how I learned this.

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jonstewart ◴[04 Nov 25 00:02 UTC] No.45806008[source]▶
H-h-how did you learn this?
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dreamcompiler ◴[04 Nov 25 00:10 UTC] No.45806071[source]▶
The hard way.
replies(2): >>45806431 #>>45806877 #
1. mindcrime ◴[04 Nov 25 01:03 UTC] No.45806431[source]▶
"No worries Chief, that'll buff out!"
replies(1): >>45807248 #
2. dreamcompiler ◴[04 Nov 25 03:47 UTC] No.45807248[source]▶
Exactly. Back when I was a newbie we melted all the lights on the engine as well as on my own truck since I was first on scene POV (Personally Owned Vehicle). And of course we charred some hose but that's common. Then CHAOS happened (Chief Has Arrived On Scene) and he quickly moved both trucks farther away from the fire, saving the county (and me!) the cost of a new truck.