Tanker Operations #06 - Front Discharge Proves Useful
 
By President Mark Davis
February 12, 2015
 

Aroney VFD (Alabama) Engine 3 is a 3,000 gallon tanker equipped with a 1,250 gpm fire pump. The rig is a bit unique in that is has a 2-1/2-inch front discharge located under the front bumper on the officer's side. Front discharges on commercial chassis tankers are uncommon - however, they are useful in certain "nurse-tanker" operations where space is an issue.

For example, a single-lane driveway or a lane on the interstate where the fire is small enough that a dump tank operation is not going to be needed but more water than a single engine carries will be needed. Of course, there are flow limits to a 2-1/2" front discharge but the concept is certainly useful as long as you know the limitations. The folks from Aroney VFD participated in several of our rural water supply operations seminars in DeKalb County, Alabama, and did a great job hauling water!
 
Engine 3 is a 2007 Blue Grass 3,000-gallon tanker equipped with a 1,250 gpm single-stage Darley pump.
Engine 3 is a 2007 Blue Grass 3,000-gallon tanker equipped with a 1,250 gpm single-stage Darley pump.
Engine 3's front discharge is shown in operation here at this 2008 water supply drill in Sylvania, Alabama. The tanker was one of the first to arrive at the scene and supplied the attack engine using the front discharge while crews set up a dump tank operation.
Engine 3's front discharge is shown in operation here at this 2008 water supply drill in Sylvania, Alabama. The tanker was one of the first to arrive at the scene and supplied the attack engine using the front discharge while crews set up a dump tank operation.
 
The concept of a front discharge on a tanker is a good one - just be sure to know the practical flow limitations of the piping and valve.
The concept of a front discharge on a tanker is a good one - just be sure to know the practical flow limitations of the piping and valve.