Which sequence best describes initiating a progressive water supply using hydrants and tankers?

• A. Begin with hydrant-only supply, then add tankers.
• B. Begin with a smaller attack line and only hydrants.
• C. Begin with a smaller attack line and progressively add hydrants and tankers.
• D. Use tankers first and avoid hydrants.

Answer: (C)

Progressive water supply is about starting with a controllable, smaller water demand and then increasing water flow as the fire dictates. The best approach is to begin with a smaller attack line and progressively add hydrants and tankers to ramp up supply as needed. This lets you deploy water quickly, assess the fire’s needs, and avoid overloading the system from the outset. As the fire grows or if hydrant flow is insufficient, you bring in additional water sources—more hydrants to boost static and flowing capacity and tankers to ensure ample volume and pressure. This staged build helps maintain pump and hose line pressure, reduces the risk of exhausting your water supply too early, and keeps the operation adaptable.

Starting with hydrants alone can fail if their available flow isn’t enough to sustain the initial attack, delaying effective extinguishment. Beginning with tankers and avoiding hydrants creates logistical challenges and potential delays in delivering steady water, since tanker shuttle operations take time and can be less reliable for continuous supply. Starting with a small line and adding only one type of source limits flexibility; progressive addition of both hydrants and tankers matches water supply to the evolving fire demand.