So if there was a building on fire that required 3,500 gpm of water, we would need to have at least 3 fire engines on the scene pumping water. A combination of two 1,500 g.p.m. engines and one 750 gpm engine would deliver 3,750 gpm of water to the fire. Keep in mind that each engine is required to have certain equipment on board. Fire flow is a calculation of the building size and height along with the amount of water pressure at the fire hydrant. Training - Trained personnel are vital for a competent fire suppression force.
Training is necessary for the firefighter to maintain a high skill level.
All training that takes place must be recorded in the firefighters file. Training must also meet or exceed the requirements of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Division of Personnel and Standards. These requirements address 34 areas of fire fighting ranging from fire department organization to water supply. Pumpers are rated for travel distances up to 1.5 miles where trucks are rated for travel distances up to 2.5 miles. It does have the capability of flowing water on a fire, but the main purpose is the rescue capabilities of the ladder.