This week’s topic is straightforward but highly important. When operating a swiveling rear dump chute, it is crucial to ensure that the chute clears the top of the dump tank when deployed. Although there is no specific standard for dump tank height, most tanks from major manufacturers are typically 29 inches tall. This means the dump chute must extend past the frame of the dump tank to function correctly.

The ... (Full Story & Photos)

Adaptors played an important role during the May 2025 seminar in Fairlee, Vermont. Fill site crews worked to speed up operations by finding a way to load Ryegate’s 3,000-gallon tanker more efficiently. Instead of relying on the single 2-1/2 inch threaded direct fill line, crews used the 6-inch round dump for filling.

To make this possible, a device was needed to connect a 6-inch cam lock to a Storz ... (Full Story & Photos)

These images were taken during our April 2026 seminar in Broadbrook, Connecticut, where participants gained hands-on experience operating large capacity pumpers and tankers in a tanker shuttle operation. The featured photos highlight Broadbrook ET139, a unit with a 2,000-gallon-per-minute pump and a 2,500-gallon water tank. The pump house area is set up to enable rapid water supply operations.
Since ... (Full Story & Photos)

Much of our work involves addressing issues with dry fire hydrants, standard fire hydrants, and underground water storage tanks. Many underground fire protection water storage tanks rely on the Cistern Vent and Sight Assembly to indicate water levels. These assemblies are generally reliable, with thousands in use without issue. However, we are sometimes contacted about sight assemblies that do not ... (Full Story & Photos)

Last October, during our seminar in Franklin County, Kansas, a repurposed HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck) was featured as a water-hauling tender for the Ohio Township Fire Department. Tender 3463 is an M978 2,500-gallon fuel tanker that has been converted for use in transporting water to support fire suppression operations in the Ohio Township area.

Although not exceptionally fast, ... (Full Story & Photos)

Last week, we highlighted a new wildland tender in our coverage. This week, our focus is on a functional, older wildland tender. During ourJune 2026 seminars at the South Dakota State Fire School in Watertown, South Dakota, we utilized Ramona Fire Department's 2,000-gallon tender for water hauling.

This vehicle uses a repurposed Ford pumper chassis, which has been converted to carry 2,000 gallons ... (Full Story & Photos)

At a recent seminar in Watertown, South Dakota, participants had the opportunity to utilize a 2,000-gallon wildland-style tender from Bruce Fire & Rescue. The 2024 vehicle, built by Midwest Design and sold by M&T Fire and Safety, is engineered to supply water primarily for wildland firefighting operations. Additionally, the tender is equipped to support structural fire attacks, featuring a Newton ... (Full Story & Photos)

Last weekend we had the distinct privilege of presenting our Rural Water Supply Operations Seminar at the 140th South Dakota State Fire School. This was our 3rd consecutive year presenting at the school; the previous two years were our 8-hr Water Supply Officer Seminar. This year we "got outside" and spent time reviewing the best practice of hauling water with vehicles. We delivered two sessions ... (Full Story & Photos)