Occasionally during our travels we get questioned about the use of commercial water trucks to support fire department water supply operations. Of course, our answer is most always, "It depends." It depends on the design of the water truck. Is it a spray truck only? Is there a discharge port? What is the pump-off capability? Are special fittings needed? How big is the tank? How is the tank refilled? Can the truck pump and roll? Will the FD be charged for the water? Can the truck be refilled with pond water?
All important questions to figure out before using a commercial water truck in your operation.

That being said, once limitations are known, then your use of a commercial water is only limited by your imagination. The water truck featured in this new story brings a lot of water "to the game;" it just can't off-load it very fast. But, if the fire flow is low like a woods fire or a field fire, then this truck might work pretty well. For a structure fire, get the truck out of the way of FD tankers: however, with 100 feet or so of hose, the water truck might be able to keep a dump tank "topped off."

The message is simple, before saying "no" during a critical operation, find a moment to think about how the water could be incorporated into the operation without hindering the effort.