When is a water shuttle appropriate?

A water shuttle is appropriate when a large volume of water is needed for an extended period at a fire, particularly in situations where there is no reliable water supply available at the incident scene. This method involves transporting water from a distant source, such as a hydrant or a water source like a lake or tank, to the fire site using a series of apparatus, often including tankers and mobile water supply operations.

In scenarios where a significant amount of water is required, such as for suppressing large structural fires or fighting wildfires, the continuous supply of water is crucial to effectively combat the fire and prevent it from spreading. This ensures that firefighters can maintain adequate flow rates necessary for effective firefighting efforts without running out of water.

The primary focus of the water shuttle operation is on sustained water delivery rather than quick bursts of supply, making it most suited for situations that require a large amount of water over an extended duration. This allows for strategic control of water flow rates throughout the firefighting operation.