If you thought water was always available for fighting wildland fires, think again. Veteran Type 1 Incident Commander Joe Stutler remembers years of fighting fires without much access to it.
“We were always dry mopping,” Stutler explains. “If we found a water source, we’d build a drainage ditch and use it sparingly, conserving as much as possible.” Stutler says it was common to have less than 5 gallons of water on his back to fight fires each day.
Now, with advancements in technology from Wildfire Water Solutions (WWS) where Stutler serves as a senior advisor, the game has changed dramatically with what seems like a simple solution: Bringing large amounts of uninterrupted water to the fire. Here are several ways this innovation enhances firefighting efforts.
The WWS system delivers a reliable, continuous flow of over 150,000 gallons of water per hour, up to 50 miles away from its source, greatly enhancing firefighting efforts. Equipped with large 10-inch lay-flat hoses, WWS can handle substantial water volumes and navigate rough terrain, up to 60% slope. The water can be delivered 5,000 feet uphill. This increased efficiency frees-up tenders, tankers, and helicopters, allowing these resources to be redirected to other critical areas.
Hoses provide a safer and more efficient way to deliver water to the fire, eliminating the need for multiple truck trips on hazardous routes.
“Driving water tenders on fires is incredibly dangerous,” Stutler explains. “Using hoses to get the water closer reduces the risk of accidents for drivers.”
Water plays a crucial role in dust abatement—by adding moisture—which is vital for the safety and efficiency of everyone involved. Water maintains clearer conditions, improving working environments for all personnel.
The mop-up phase of wildland firefighting is another place where water plays a critical role. Having a reliable water supply during this stage increases productivity, reduces the risks associated with breathing in dangerous carcinogens, and can fully extinguish the fire and any smoldering embers. This significantly reduces the risk of the fire re-igniting and spreading to other areas.
The financial advantage of using a WWS module is significant. A single WWS module dispatched to a fire includes as much water as needed, and will cost roughly $30,000/day, which is far more cost efficient than many other water delivery assets.
A continuous flow of water also makes all other resources more efficient and increases productivity. The standard module includes:
WWS’s high-volume, continuous water supply not only enhances resource optimization, but also improves safety and cost-effectiveness in managing wildland fires.