Advanced Water Logistics: Hillsborough Volunteers Hone 1,000 GPM Static Water Retrieval and Driver Qualifications

Hillsborough, NJ - Firefighters executed complex, specialized water movement operations this past week, establishing a continuous 1,000 gallon-per-minute flow from a remote water source to reinforce rural firefighting capabilities.

On September 12, members of Flagtown Fire/Rescue (Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Company No. 1) in Somerset County concluded an in-depth training block focused on alternative, non-traditional water supply delivery methods. The evolution centered on accessing natural and static water sources situated beyond the standard physical reach of conventional hard-suction drafting apparatus.

Crews deployed a TurboDraft fire eductor system paired with the pumping capabilities of Brush 36 to bridge a 50-foot distance from the water's edge. The evolution successfully established and sustained a high-volume flow of approximately 1,000 gallons per minute (GPM) into a 3,500-gallon portable folding drop tank serving as a fireground reservoir.

This tactical setup—known as an open relay—provides a vital mechanism for establishing high-capacity water operations in rural and non-hydranted environments where direct apparatus access to ponds, streams, or canals is restricted.

In addition to the static water delivery drill, department members completed practical driver-operator qualification evolutions aboard Tanker 36, ensuring personnel remain fully certified and proficient in operating heavy mobile water-shuttle apparatus.