Last night was a chance for those not normally stood at the back of the pump to hone their skills.
A dam was constructed near the smoke house, filled from the nearby hydrant and then had the LPP set into it. From there a line of 70 was run out to Ladder 2 and from this a line of 70 to the ERT. Finally, another 70 from the ERT into the dam.
The idea was that the LPP, acting as base pump, had to keep the two main pumps supplied with water without overrunning its supply (the dam). Simples, tch!
Throw in a pump 'failure', start squirting water from a hosereel, a 45 and a 70 and some juggling is required to keep all pump operators happy…
And, what a surprise, the two hour drill session goes really quickly because we're actually doing something – not just listening to one of the Scottish Modules up in the classroom.
So, we're all up to speed again with operating the LPP and the main pumps… All we need is some orange stuff to squirt water at.