What type of pumper should be placed at the water source in relay operations?

In relay operations, the primary goal is to efficiently transport water from a water source to the incident scene, often over long distances. To achieve this, the largest capacity pumper is the most suitable choice for placement at the water source. This type of pumper can deliver the highest volume of water, ensuring that there is a sufficient flow to sustain the firefighting efforts at the scene.

Having a pumper with the largest capacity at the source allows for better management of water supply, reducing the number of trips needed to refill smaller pumpers at the incident site. This efficiency is crucial during emergencies where time and water supply are of the essence.

In contrast, smaller or medium capacity pumpers may not deliver enough volume to support the demands of firefighting operations during a relay setup, which is why they are not optimal for this role. A water tanker, while it can transport water, generally does not operate as effectively in a relay operation compared to a larger pumper that can maintain a steady supply. Thus, selecting the largest capacity pumper enhances the overall effectiveness of the water delivery system during an emergency response.