BY JEREMY A. KELLER
Access to dependable water supply suffic-ient to achieve needed fire flows (NFF) is critical for any fire department, but for rural departments, this can pose special challenges. Rural departments often have limited access to pressurized municipal hydrant systems and must instead draft from static water sources to supply water shuttles supporting fire suppression operations.
Relying on off-site, often distantly located water supplies that are connected to the fire scene by a complex water shuttle system creates operational challenges unique to the rural environment. Rural departments must master the art of identifying and exploiting existing and potential water supplies in their operational area. Drafting and water shuttle operations are basic items in the operational toolbox of rural firefighters.
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