Fire Safety, Fire Hazard Rating returns to - MODERATE - June,7/ 2016

Yes, we are back to Moderate and there is additional precip. in the weather forecast.  Please keep an eye on the Fire Hazard Rating and plan any high risk activity types of work accordingly.

A few people have asked me to share some thoughts about water pumps so this is what I think is a reasonable starting place.  Forestry rated fire pumps (enclosed impeller) are high pressure pumps and come with a high pressure price tag. Most other common water pumps are open impeller and will only produce 40 to maybe 60 PSI. at a low volume or a larger volume at a lower pressure. I don't care to recommend any specific pump(s) high pressure low pressure brand names etc. or presume to know what you need, however it is my firm belief that whatever pump you are relying on ...must ... start easily,... every time.  For you to be confident that your pump will start, work hard and meet realistic pressure and volume expectations you will need to be practiced in basic pump operations with your equipment.  This is easy to do, to build familiarity with your pump start and run it up to temperature regularly.  Any pump new or old with a few drops of water in the fuel tank may start every time but will likely starve and die when put under load.  To load up your pump (make it work hard) run it wide open for 10 min., no nozzle, with only one length of hose at least the same dia. as the pump discharge or if your location allows no hose (no clean-up).  Keep in mind that whenever there is lots of water splashing around near your pump fuel tank or fuel container there is a chance water can end up on the wrong side of the fuel container(ie. inside).    Most water pumps don't ever see enough use to become worn out mechanically but many engines suffer a mechanical failure with the pull cord or recoil mechanism.  If your pump has been around for some time you may have already experienced a broken pull cord.  If when making a full draw on your pump motor starting cord the cord stops coming out before your arm is fully drawn back the cord is too short.  Replace with a new cord if the pull cord is short or if it looks worn, this is a serious issue, consider the adrenaline factor.  If you do have a fire and whoever is starting the pump pulls the cord out any chance of an effective initial attack with that pump is likely out. Keep the fuel tank full, store some fuel in the proximity of the pump (1 or 2 gal. is lots) and don't relate to this fuel as available for any other purpose. If anyone wants more info (or opinion) relating to water pumps let me know and I will help if I can.

Ross