What is the recommended practice for initiating a progressive water supply operation?

• A. Begin with the largest possible attack line immediately and then reduce as needed.
• B. Start with a single fixed hydrant line and never add more.
• C. Begin with a smaller, rapidly deployable attack line and progressively add additional sources to sustain larger flows.
• D. Only use tanker water and avoid hydrants.

Answer: (C)

Progressive water supply means getting water on the fire quickly with a small, rapidly deployable attack line, then adding more lines and water sources to sustain larger flows as the incident grows. This approach gives you immediate control and cooling while you establish a robust, scalable supply. Starting with the largest line right away tends to slow deployment and may outpace the available water and setup time, delaying initial attack. A single fixed hydrant line with no growth can’t meet increasing demand, so the fire can outpace the supply. Relying only on tanker water and avoiding hydrants sacrifices steady, high-volume supply and can create delays in replenishment; using hydrants and staged sources allows a controlled ramp-up to the needed flow.