- Portable tank operations require 3 things: a DUMP SITE, FILL SITE, and, the proper number and type of apparatus to accomplish the task.
- Additional apparatus will be required if a large fire requires more water flow or if the tanker shuttle route is long.
- When choosing a DUMP SITE it should be flat, level and as close to the fire as possible. This will allow for ease in setting up a PORTABLE TANK.
- The PORTABLE TANK should be placed on the INTAKE side of the pumper that it is supplying. It should be close enough to DRAFT with a length of HARD SUCTION HOSE. The tank should be oriented so the drain is at the lowest spot.
- A LOW LEVEL STRAINER in conjunction with HARD SUCTION HOSE will be used to DRAFT the water from the PORTABLE TANK to the INTAKE of the Engine. The connections should be snug to stop air from being drawn into the pump.
- A WATER TENDER will pull up next to the PORTABLE TANK and, with a dump valve, will fill the PORTABLE TANK with water. Newer WATER TENDERS do not require the MOTOR PUMP OPERATOR to exit the APPARATUS.
- Once the PORTABLE TANK has sufficient water, the ENGINE can commence DRAFTING operations.
- There should be a sufficient amount of WATER TENDERS in the TANKER SHUTTLE to maintain an uninterrupted WATER SUPPLY.
- The FILL SITE could be either a STATIC or PRESSURIZED water source. It should have easy access to fill WATER TENDERS and should be in a loop from the DUMP SITE to allow WATER TENDERS in the TANKER SHUTTLE to not cross paths.
