Bar Harbor, ME - Firefighters with the Bar Harbor Fire Department have been sharpening their skills with portable pump operations, focusing on techniques essential for remote and hard-to-access incidents.

Often described as “hand-held fire engines,” these pumps allow crews to draft water from natural sources such as streams and lakes, providing a critical water supply during wildland firefighting operations.

In addition to fireground use, the equipment can also be deployed for flood mitigation, including removing water from heavily flooded basements.

This hands-on training ensures crews remain ready to operate efficiently in areas without traditional hydrant access.