| On Wednesday August 8, 2007 Thorndale Firefighters gathered on a hot summer evening for training on drafting operations. Drafting is used in areas were there may not be fire hydrants, or a very large amount of water may be needed to extinguish a fire.
Some fire companies are forced to draft out of ponds, rivers, or even a homeowner's swimming pool in order to get the water required to extinguish a fire. Most of Caln Township is protected by fire hydrants, however there are a few areas were drafting may be required.
Firefighters reviewed the steps required to set up an Engine for a drafting operation. This requires connecting hard suction hose from the Engine to a floating dock strainer. The floating dock strainer floats on top of the water and acts as a filter. The water is then pumped out of the water source and to the fire where it can be used to extinguish the flames.
After the Engine was set up and drafting, firefighters pulled several lines and practiced hose line management and nozzle stream operations. As the night went on, the firefighters needed a little relief from the heat, so a game of soccer was played utilized the hand lines. |
