On August 12 and 13, the Suffield Fire Department hosted a Tanker Shuttle Class taught by members of the Connecticut Fire Academy.
Suffield Fire Department members train with tanker trucks.
The class was funded by a grant through the Department of Environmental/Energy Protection (DEEP). Suffield is a large community that encompasses 42.9 square miles and roughly half of this area has fire hydrants. Firefighters have to use what’s known as a “Tanker Shuttle” to ensure an adequate water supply is available to protect the areas in town that do not have hydrants. This requires tanker trucks, portable drop tanks, fill sites, manpower and extensive coordination with surrounding fire departments.
Firefighters take a tanker shuttle class.
During this class, Suffield was accompanied by the Air National Guard, Broad Brook and Southwick Fire Departments who each brought their own tanker to the training. Most tankers hold approximately 2,000 gallons of water that can be dumped and filled in an expedited fashion. The ability to transport and supply such a large amount of water is essential for effective firefighting tactics.
A huge thank you to the CFA and DEEP for making this training available, as well as to the members of the Suffield, Air Guard, Broad Brook and Southwick Fire Departments who essentially make such an operation possible.