UPCOMING COURSES
01-08-2027 8:00 am - 01-10-2027 6:00 pm
S-112 Courses
Pleasant Valley Grange -Placerville Ca.
Price: Free
S-211
Portable Pumps and Water Use
Hands-on training in portable fire pump operation, water delivery systems, hose lays, and safe, effective water use for wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire operations.
Course Information
Practical water-handling skills for wildland and prescribed fire.
NWCG S-211, Portable Pumps and Water Use, introduces the equipment, methods, and safety considerations involved in using portable pumps and water delivery systems in wildland fire operations.
Students learn how to identify pump components, select suitable water sources, assemble suction and discharge systems, establish hose lays, operate pumps, and troubleshoot common problems. Classroom instruction is reinforced through instructor demonstrations and supervised hands-on field exercises.
The proposed two-day format emphasizes time at practical stations, allowing participants to practice pump setup, water delivery, nozzle use, and system breakdown as part of a coordinated crew.
Skills are applicable to initial attack support, holding operations, mop-up, and prescribed fire projects where reliable water delivery is essential.
Course Skills
- Portable pump types and components
- Pump inspection and safe operation
- Water source assessment
- Suction hose, strainers, and priming
- Discharge hose, fittings, and valves
- Hose lays and hose management
- Pressure, friction loss, and elevation
- Nozzle selection and water application
- Water conservation and supply planning
- Operational communication and teamwork
- Troubleshooting and field maintenance
- System shutdown and equipment recovery
Prerequisites & Preparation
Students should be prepared for physically active field training.
Two-Day Course Itinerary
Sample schedule — instructors may adjust timing and field stations.
Day 1 — Pumps, Water Sources & Setup
Safety • Equipment • Pump Operation • Hose SystemsDay 2 — Water Delivery & Field Operations
Pressure • Hose Lays • Troubleshooting • Crew ExercisesRequired Materials & Equipment
Bring the personal gear specified in your registration instructions.
Personal Protective Equipment
- Approved helmet or hard hat
- Eye protection
- Work gloves
- Long-sleeve shirt and long pants
- Sturdy boots with traction
- Hearing protection as directed
- Additional wildland PPE if required
Training Equipment
- Portable pump and accessories
- Suction hose and strainer
- Discharge hose and fittings
- Valves, wyes, and nozzles
- Approved fuel and maintenance supplies
- Water source or training tank
- Radios and crew tools as needed
Personal Field Gear
- Water and hydration supplies
- Lunch and snacks
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Notebook and pen
- Sunscreen
- Personal medications
- Small field pack
Field Training & Safety
Safe water delivery begins with planning and disciplined operations.
Training includes hazards associated with moving water, slippery banks, pressurized hoses, rotating equipment, hot engine parts, fuel handling, noise, and manual lifting. Students must follow instructor direction, maintain communication, and stop work when conditions become unsafe.
Instructors may modify or suspend exercises because of water conditions, weather, equipment failures, environmental restrictions, or other safety concerns.
Who Should Attend?
For practitioners who may operate or support portable pump systems.
