Andover Firefighters Supported Regional Water Supply Exercise

SALISBURY, N.H. — October 8 — Members of the Andover Fire Department participated in a mutual aid drill with firefighters from Salisbury, Wilmot, Webster, and Hopkinton.The exercise focused on building fire operations and the supply of water during emergencies.

After a briefing from Salisbury command, eight fire trucks and approximately 30 volunteer firefighters took part in a practical training session. The drill aimed to improve coordination between different departments and test the ability to move water to a simulated fire scene.

Andover’s four-person team, which included Chief Barton, Captain Davis, Firefighter Mahair, and Firefighter Hall, operated Engine 2. Their task was to refill tanker trucks at a drafting point along the Blackwater River.

Engine 2 drew water from the river and filled tankers with capacities ranging from 1,700 to 3,000 gallons. These tankers then transported the water to the drill area near Peters Bridge, where they supported a rural water supply setup. During the exercise, Andover’s crew filled a total of 10 tanker trucks.

Water supply operations are particularly important in rural areas where fire hydrants may be limited or not available. Guidelines from the New Hampshire Fire Academy emphasize the importance of coordinating water sources, fill sites, dump sites, and equipment to ensure a consistent water supply during firefighting efforts.

The drill allowed participating departments to practice using equipment, managing tanker movements, and working together under a unified command structure. It also helped strengthen the relationships between neighboring volunteer fire departments.