Wildland water tender

Wildland water tender is a specialized vehicle capable of bringing water, foam, or other firefighting agents to a wildfire in areas where it is difficult to establish a direct water supply. These vehicles are essential in wildfire suppression and are often used in conjunction with fire engines and helicopters to combat wildfires.

Design and Function

Wildland water tenders are typically designed to navigate difficult terrain. They are equipped with large water tanks, often capable of holding thousands of gallons of water. The water can be pumped directly onto the fire or transferred to other firefighting vehicles. Some water tenders are also equipped with a small pump and hose to spray water directly onto fires.

Role in Wildfire Suppression

In wildfire suppression, the role of the wildland water tender is to supply water to the fire line. This is particularly important in remote or rural areas where a direct water supply may not be readily available. The water tender travels between a water source and the fire line, refilling its tank and then delivering the water to the firefighters on the ground.

Types of Wildland Water Tenders

There are several types of wildland water tenders, including:

• Engine Tender: This type of tender is equipped with a pump and can spray water directly onto the fire. It is often used in conjunction with other firefighting vehicles.

• Tactical Tender: This type of tender is designed to work in tandem with helicopters. It refills the helicopter's water bucket, allowing the helicopter to make repeated water drops on the fire.

• Support Tender: This type of tender is used to supply water to other firefighting vehicles. It does not have a pump and cannot spray water directly onto the fire.

See Also

• Firefighting
• Wildfire
• Fire engine
• Helicopter bucket

References

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