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Purpose
To provide guidance for response protocols for tanker deployment and operations.
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Background
Water shuttle operations in areas without municipal water supply have always relied heavily upon several engines to provide adequate water for firefighting operations. This is time-consuming, labor-intensive and consumes resources better used for firefighting operations. With the introduction of Water Tanker/s into the fleet, the SJRFD can supply water to fight fires more efficiently in non-serviced or low water flow areas.
This replaces POG #07-01-11, “Water Supply Unit Operations”, dated 2017/03/23.
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Policy Statement
Protocol
The following will apply to a Tanker and its Deployment.
General Tanker Applications and Protocols
1. To be housed in a Station from which it will respond to all areas within the jurisdiction of the St. John’s Regional Fire Department; pursuant to operational requirements.
2. To be used as a water supply support for Engines engaged in firefighting.
3. A Tanker will not have a permanent crew assignment.
4. Will be driven to the scene by two qualified personnel.
5. After reporting to the Incident Commander the Tanker and crew will be under the direct command of the Water Supply Officer (WSO).
6. When on-duty numbers permit, there will be an extra firefighter assigned to all Tanker equipped fire stations within SJRFD.
Deployed from Quarters to Calls Outside the Assigned District
The nearest unit to the Tanker’s assigned quarters will respond immediately to backfill positions vacated by the Tanker crew in the following priority:
a. Closest non-assigned Rescue unit will re-deploy at normal traffic speeds to the Tanker Station and convert the Engine to Engine/Rescue status unless otherwise notified by the on duty Platoon Chief.
b. Closest non-assigned Truck unit will re-deploy at normal traffic speeds to the Station vacated and convert the Engine to Engine/Truck status unless otherwise notified by the on duty Platoon Chief.
c. Closest non-assigned Engine unit will re-deploy at normal traffic speeds to the Station vacated and support the district Engine as required unless otherwise notified by the on duty Platoon Chief.
Deployed from Quarters to Calls within the Assigned District
When called to a fire in areas of known low or non-existent water supply within the Assigned District, a Tanker will be crewed by two qualified firefighters and accompany the Engine to the scene.
Deployed when the Engine is Committed to a Previous Call
When there is no crew in quarters to respond on the initial call, the following parameters will be followed:
a. Closest non-assigned Rescue unit will re-deploy with emergency lights and siren activated to the Tanker Station mobilize the Tanker and respond.
b. Closest non-assigned Truck will re-deploy with emergency lights and siren activated to the Tanker Station mobilize the Tanker and respond to the call. A second Truck will be dispatched to the call.
c. Closest non-assigned Engine unit will re-deploy with emergency lights and siren activated to the Tanker Station, mobilize the Tanker and respond to the call.
7. In all cases, when appropriate and at the discretion of the on duty Platoon Chief or Chief Officer on call, emergency call back will be initiated to maintain operational readiness.
8. May be used to support forest and brush fire operations within the St. John’s Regional Fire Department jurisdiction.
Response Procedures
· The OIC will assign a Water Supply Sector Officer (WSO) in anticipation of the arrival of a Tanker. Typically assigned to the second arriving Fire Captain the responsibility can be transferred to an incoming Fire Lieutenant.
· The WSO will coordinate personnel to position the hard suctions, the reservoir(s) and establish the water supply.
· Tanker shuttle operations will commence immediately upon arrival.
· At no time will a Tanker be placed in “standby” mode or slaved to an engine.
· Upon dumping its tank of water, the Tanker will return to the supply site and be refilled, and return to the fire scene.
· Water shuttle operations will cease only on the command of the IC.
Positions and Responsibilities
· Water Supply Officer (WSO)
o Assigned by the Incident Commander. Typically assigned to the second arriving Fire Captain, the responsibility can be transferred to an incoming Fire Lieutenant.
o Identifies the nearest hydrant or static water supply and communicates with inbound Tanker as to the designated location and access point.
o Arranges personnel to set up portable tank(s) and establish a water supply to the attack engine.
o Determines the tank location(s), monitors dump and return of the Tanker to the supply site.
o Remains at the fire scene and monitors water supply for the attack engine, and informs and advises the IC regarding the water supply.
o Establishes a communication link with the Operator of the Attack Engine.
o Communicates with Police to establish traffic control along shuttle route.
· Incident Commander
o Determines the requirement for tanker/shuttle operations and assigns WSO as required.
o Focuses on command role.
o Maintains contact with WSO regarding water use and status.
· Platoon Chief
o Ensures the WSO has sufficient resources to maintain water supply requirements.
o Relieves any extra equipment that may be staged, reassigns on scene personnel, or calls in additional personnel as required.
o Monitors efficiency of water supply operations.
· Tanker Operator
o Drives unit to the scene in a safe and controlled manner.
o Upon arrival, stages the Tanker to await direction from the IC or WSO.
o Assists with water shuttle operations both at the fire scene and the refill site.
· Tanker Crew Firefighter
o Assists the operator to ensure safe operations at all times.
o Assists with water shuttle operations both at the fire scene and the refill site.
o Assists with securing both the fire scene and refill site from bystanders/traffic, positioning the truck for refill, refilling the tank, and guiding the Tanker into and out of the supply and dump sites.
o Assumes the role of WSO as and when required.
NOTE
All Operational Guidelines are provided as a guideline only and may be altered by the OIC to meet extenuating circumstances. |
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Approvals
Fire Chief/Director
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Responsibility
St. John's Regional Fire Department
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Appendix/Appendices
Appendix A – Water Supply Procedures
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