FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Port-A-Tank will ease tanker/water shuttle efforts at large fires
By Lt. Gary McKrill, CFD Water Supply Officer
7/2000 -- Chardon, Ohio
The recent purchase and placement of a new portable water holding tank will
significantly ease water shuttle operations at large fires in non-hydranted
areas. This 2100-gallon, folding tank looks like a small out-of-ground
swimming pool. It has been placed on the automated ladder rack of Tanker
3338, and serves as a mobile depot for incoming tankers to "dump their
water and run for more".
During a fire, the lead attack engine only carries about 1000 gallons of
initial water on-board. After that, the engine must be supplied with more
water by tankers. This water is suction siphoned from area ponds or other
water sources, and then shuttled back to the fire scene, where it is dumped into
the port-a-tank. Mutual aid companies, such as Burton, Hambden, and Munson
Fire Departments are integral to effective tanker shuttle operations. In
the past, Chardon FD has depended on other in-coming departments to supply the
port-a-tank. However, this new tank will make the setup for supply
operations more efficient, while freeing up mutual aid tankers with port-a-tanks
to be available in the event of a fire in their own jurisdiction.
The tank was purchased at a discount at the Harrisburg, PA fire expo.
Training on setup and drafting is being reviewed with our staff, and the new
tank is available for use immediately.
- Lt. Gary McKrill
For More Information Contact:
Chardon Fire Department
110 S. Hambden St. Chardon, OH 44024
Tel: 440-285-4665
FAX: 440-285-8320
Internet: Capt. John Blauch
