FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Water Movement Drill A Success
By Lt. Gary McKrill, CFD Water Supply Officer
8/2000 -- Chardon, Ohio
While most of our Chardon area residents slept or attended church services,
we were busy testing our ability to move massive amounts of water to a simulated
industrial fire, almost a quarter mile away. On a rainy Sunday, August
5th, 2000, the Chardon Fire Department enlisted the help of the Chesterland,
Hambden, Middlefield, and Munson Fire Departments to relay pump thousands of
gallons of water from the pond on Industrial Parkway, down Fifth Avenue to Chardon
Rubber Corporation. The drill involved laying out a huge amount of heavy,
yellow 5-inch diameter hose. At specified distances, a fire pumper was
placed in line to boost the pressure within the hose. This "relay
pumping" strategy insures that the best water flow will be available at the
"fire" sight. The water was then sprayed at a high flow volume
near the simulated Chardon Rubber fire ground. Careful coordination
between the command sector and each water sector needed to occur for the drill
to work. Pressure, water flow, and gauge measurements occurred at set
intervals during the drill to assess effectiveness. Command, dispatch,
draft site, and relay operations sectors were all established and accountable
for any failures.
This drill was a major step towards assuring we will meet the upcoming ISO
rating evaluation, which governs insurance costs for residents and industries in
our coverage area. Our goal is to lower (better) our rating during that
evaluation. Many thanks to the cooperating fire departments, who
participated in this drill.
-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
