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Understanding fire terminology can be a challenge to those not in the profession. Some terms are technical and difficult to understand. Other phrases are common words with different meanings as they apply to fire. In some instances, they may even sound like housekeeping chores. An example of this is the frequent use of the word “plumbing,” referring to the equipment used to provide water to the fireline. 

Hoses are unrolled and placed along a fire line so water can be used to assist with suppression and containment efforts. The hoses need to be connected to a water source, such as an apparatus like a water tender or fire engine or drawn from a stream, pond, or other natural water feature where the water can be drawn out by a portable pump. If water needs to be used far from where a large engine or tanker can drive and there is no natural water source nearby, firefighters will set up portable water tanks. 

On the Camp Creek Fire, these freestanding water tanks are filled and strategically place along Forest Road 14. Pumps stand ready to push water when and where needed through the hose line. Over 40,000 feet of fire hose is already in place! The tanks, pumps, and hose will help firefighters attack the fire if it becomes more active, but more likely they will be used in the hard work of "mopping up" the fire’s edge, another fire term we'll explain in another article soon. Stay tuned!

Three photos showing some of this equipment can be viewed below by clicking on each of the captions:

• Rolled and unrolled fire hose on the ground near Forest Road 14 on the Camp Creek Fire
   
• Filled portable water tank, water pump and fuel along Forest Road 14 in the Camp Creek Fire 
   
• A water truck, or water "tender," keeps a portable water tank full