RI Southern League Hosts Large Scale Tanker Drill
 
By RISFFL
May 2, 2021
 

On Sunday May 2 the Rhode Island Southern Firefighters League hosted a large scale rural water supply/ tanker drill in Ninigret Park in Charlestown. Unfortunately due to rain last weekend, the drill that was originally scheduled in 2 practical sessions was combined into one.

The first portion of our drill was instructional with 4 stations for firefighters to attend.
1- The Nurse Tanker Operation hosted by the Carolina Fire Department
2- The Dump Site Operation hosted by the Hope Valley Fire Department
3- The Fill Site hosted by the Charlestown Fire District
4- Safety & Communications hosted by the Union Fire District's West Kingston Station #9 and Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency Chief Chris McGrath.

Each of the 4 stations were able to provide members the opportunity to see what these host departments feel is the best practices that work for them. Some of our agencies on site deal with these types of set up for each fire while others are in an area served by fire hydrants so, very rarely use these tanker operations. There was a take away for everyone!

Following the 4 stations, a "real time" water supply drill was held in the park and surrounding area. This involved placing the apparatus on location into operation as if they were at a real fire scene. We employed officers from the representing agencies to coordinate the operations while having a senior Chief Officer with them to guide them along the way. This was a great opportunity for our newer Lieutenants and Captains!

In total, over 130,000 gallons of water were shuttled and dumped out of 13 Tanker trucks. This was accomplished using 2 ladder trucks and several fire engines in under 2 hours. We were able to refill our tankers using 3 locations inside the South County Sand & Gravel bank on Old Post Road. Special thanks to Mr. Fiore and his staff for allowing us to use their facility for this training.

Special thanks to all of our Instructors, The Town Of Charlestown for allowing us to use the park, the Charlestown Police Department for their assistance with traffic and signs, South County Sand & Gravel for their facility, the Special Signal Providence Canteen, and our local media partners for covering our training today.

Participating Agencies Included:
-Charlestown Fire District
-Carolina Fire Department
-Hope Valley Fire Department
-Ashaway Fire Department
-Exeter #1 Fire Department
-Lake Mishnock Fire Department
-Hianloland Fire Department
-Westerly Fire Department
-Misquamicut Fire Department
-Watch Hill Fire Department
-Dunn's Corners Fire Department
-Charlestown Ambulance-Rescue Service
-Jamestown Fire Department
-Stonington Borough (CT) Fire Department
-Quiambaug (CT) Fire Department
-Wequetquock (CT) Fire Department
-North Stonington (CT) Fire Department
-Hopkins Hill Fire Department
-Western Coventry Fire Department
-Union Fire District of South Kingstown
-Kingston Fire Department
-Providence Canteen
-Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
 
The view from a tanker approaching the dump site.
The view from a tanker approaching the dump site.
The view from a tanker approaching the dump site.
The view from a tanker approaching the dump site.
 
North Stonington Tanker H-13, Charlestown Tanker 715, and Stonington Borough Engine T-13 work at a dump site.
North Stonington Tanker H-13, Charlestown Tanker 715, and Stonington Borough Engine T-13 work at a dump site.
Misquamicut E-203 drafts from the tanks while North Stonington H-13 finishes dumping their load.
Misquamicut E-203 drafts from the tanks while North Stonington H-13 finishes dumping their load.
 
Crews from multiple agencies operate.
Crews from multiple agencies operate.
Misquamicut Engine 203 drafts while Hianloland’s tanker dumps their load.
Misquamicut Engine 203 drafts while Hianloland’s tanker dumps their load.
 
Ashaway Tanker 415 dumps into the folding tank.
Ashaway Tanker 415 dumps into the folding tank.
Dunn’s Corners Tanker 1 and UFD Tanker 24 await water at the fill site run by the Charlestown FD
Dunn’s Corners Tanker 1 and UFD Tanker 24 await water at the fill site run by the Charlestown FD
 
Watch Hill Ladder 104, Kingston Ladder 2 and Misquamicut Engine 203 operate at the dump site during the live drill.
Watch Hill Ladder 104, Kingston Ladder 2 and Misquamicut Engine 203 operate at the dump site during the live drill.
DCFD Tanker 1 and Charlestown Engine 813 at the fill site
DCFD Tanker 1 and Charlestown Engine 813 at the fill site
 
Apparatus operate at the fill site at South County Sand & Gravel
Apparatus operate at the fill site at South County Sand & Gravel
Quambaug CT and West Kingston prepare to dump
Quambaug CT and West Kingston prepare to dump
 
Jamestown Tanker 2 dumps their load as Stonington Borough T13 operates
Jamestown Tanker 2 dumps their load as Stonington Borough T13 operates
Wequetquock T34 being filed at the gravel bank
Wequetquock T34 being filed at the gravel bank
 
Hopkins Hill Engine 6 at the fill site
Hopkins Hill Engine 6 at the fill site
Hope Valley Tanker 915 at the fill site
Hope Valley Tanker 915 at the fill site
 
Companies operating at the fill site
Companies operating at the fill site
Apparatus in staging
Apparatus in staging
 
DCFD Tanker 1 dumping at the portable tank demo
DCFD Tanker 1 dumping at the portable tank demo
Retired Deputy Chief Kevin Quinn from UFD who was the drill Safety Officer gives a briefing
Retired Deputy Chief Kevin Quinn from UFD who was the drill Safety Officer gives a briefing
 
Members listen to Chief Quinn’s safety briefing
Members listen to Chief Quinn’s safety briefing
Watch Hill Ladder 104 and Kingston Ladder 2 operating
Watch Hill Ladder 104 and Kingston Ladder 2 operating
 
Tankers at staging
Tankers at staging
The Providence Canteen provided breakfast and lunch to our members. Always there when we need them!
The Providence Canteen provided breakfast and lunch to our members. Always there when we need them!
 
Apparatus at Staging
Apparatus at Staging
Apparatus at Staging
Apparatus at Staging