Drafting Training
 
April 26, 2025
 

To help make sure our apparatus drivers are familiar with drafting water, the WGFC today practiced the techniques at the old quarry in London Grove Township.

Engine 22-1 used its suction lines to pull high volumes of water from the quarry. Drafting is a technique by which the large fire pumps use their suction capability to draw water from sources likes ponds and creeks to supply a fire scene in rural areas where fire hydrants are not available. Done correctly, a fire engine can flow more than 1,500 gallons per minute or more using these techniques.

Today's training included our friends from the Avondale Fire Company. Our thanks to the Township for use of this quarry for this training.
 
Units: Engine 22-1
 
Mutual Aid: Squad 23
 
WGFC Engine 22-1 drafts water from the old quarry as part of a training exercise today.
WGFC Engine 22-1 drafts water from the old quarry as part of a training exercise today.
 
Water drafted is returned to the quarry by the pre-piped high flow monitor atop Engine 22-1.
Water drafted is returned to the quarry by the pre-piped high flow monitor atop Engine 22-1.
 
Here Avondale's Squad 23 drafts.
Here Avondale's Squad 23 drafts.