5 gallons * 8.4 pounds/gallon = 42 pounds - we might have to start some training before you attempt to run 100 yards with one of those 🙂
Edward

Just great, you had to bring up the exercise word.

I was thinking of the metal ones since they would probably get banged around on occasions. I was afraid the bladder style would get torn with all of the sharp metal we have in the trailer. There were smaller ones, but why bother. I like the farm ones as well, it would be buy two get one free with that price compared to the real deal.

I found some AMPCO PB-10 round wire push brooms, but they had too many bristles to do any good. All the other stuff was flat steel plates with notches cut out.

I was in Jax Farm & Ranch and saw those - they look very nice...add some fire retardant to the water and think they'd work great.

5 gallons * 8.4 pounds/gallon = 42 pounds - we might have to start some training before you attempt to run 100 yards with one of those 🙂

Edward

Yeah, extra incentive to be one of the first ones to see the fire and pick up the brooms from the fire fighting equipment stash. The stragglers will be left with the tanks 😀

I just want to throw my concerns into this topic.

1. Wheather we get more brooms and flappers and water backpacks we need somewhere to put them. I havn't seen the trailer recently but im sure it is still full. So where should we store these items. This can tie into the whole trailer issue.

2. The idea of having a water tank on a trailer is a great idea also. The con is who is going to pull it? Not everyone has a vehical that could pull one. Also in the past the club had a problem getting someone to pull the equipment trailer. Maybe it is still a problem. Now we need a second driver to pull the water trailer.

I'm glad to see people taking a quick reation to our fire safty problem. Luckily there is the annual January meeting. I'm sure fire prevention will be a big topic this year.

Mike, thanks for the offer of your old brooms - we definately will take you up on that. I like the idea of water tanks, but have reservations about a larger, trailer tanks. They would add to problems of responsibility for towing, maintanence, attendence, etc. I, too, have been looking for the brooms of old and haven't found exactly what would be the ideal replacements. I'd probably be more comfortable with a plan for members to bring their own fire fighting equipment with their rocketry stuff, to supplement the club equipment. Obviously, the choice/preference would be up to the individual and then every implement brought could also be used. Kind of like check your weapons at the door and remember to take it home with you at the end of your day. There is already a lack of equipment space in the trailer.

Yeah, extra incentive to be one of the first ones to see the fire and pick up the brooms from the fire fighting equipment stash. The stragglers will be left with the tanks 😀

Forget getting to the rack, I'll bring my own broom!

Edward

There is lot's of good and positive feedback on how we can better prepare for (and prevent) the next possible fire in this thread.

One thing that will go a long way is to send a collective thank you note to the local volunteer fire departments that were dispatched. Also, a small donation to the rural fire brigade is typically appreciated.

I wouldn't get the SOLO tanks for fire fighting. They are meant more for spraying herbicide. Get this:

http://www.american-firehouse.com/detail.aspx?ID=3607

$184 each. Standard in wildlife fire fighting. Two of these would really help.

Ed, that is a great idea. In this economy, that's the least the club can do. Calling our Treasurer and board! Maybe invite them to the club meeting in January for food. Why do I think there will be an embedded sprinkler system on the prairie by MHM... (just kidding, I know the legalities of messing with the prairie). 😉

47 lbs on your back running is nothing, Heck with gas in my paramotor it is 75lbs and I ran at least what seemed like a mile last time. I will say I was tired after that.

Hey paramotor with water dump tanks...an interesting idea. Another is a paramotor with water jets to force water under power onto the flames...ok there is a better way than that but it was an idea.

Joe I will get the brooms over to Chris Frazier and he can bring them with him next time.

I wouldn't get the SOLO tanks for fire fighting. They are meant more for spraying herbicide. Get this:

http://www.american-firehouse.com/detail.aspx?ID=3607

$184 each. Standard in wildlife fire fighting. Two of these would really help.

This is EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

If it were me buying one of the 5 gallon packs, I would and will get the soft one like Chad showed. The bummer is the soft sided is more money than the steel tank. I did notice they have foam pumpers too. http://www.benmeadows.com/store/Fire_and_Rescue/Fire_Fighting_Equipment/Wildland_Fire_Fighting_Equip/22569/152534/?isredirect=true

I need one for our property so I hope to get one as well.

IF I can, I will be bringing a 65 gallon water tank in the back of my truck with my 12v water pump and hoses. It's going to be set up for my personal use so I might as well bring it for the club use. Anyone wanting to fill a 5 gallon pack can. If it's too cold, I won't mess with it. Also, it's also my drinking water transport tank, so I can't put chemicals in it.

I wish we could find the brooms, I would get one to bring as well. Should we get one of the normal steel bristle ones and see what it does?

Greg,

I'm going to make a few of the mechanically held brooms - working on getting a template. I found a couple cheap fish tapes tonight at the pawn shops and now just need to find the broom handle adapters.

We'll see how they work - so far it looks like I can make them out of 16" of 2x6 lumber.

Edward

I think that's a pretty good idea. I had a broken fish tape around here somewhere, I need to look for it.
I'm a bit more motivated than most, our property is next to Iron Mtn, they had a major forest fire down there 8 or so years ago and I'm constantly worried about another one. Our VFD is rumored to be a real joke. That's also why I would be up for organizing training for us. Anything we do up here I can apply down there. Lots of brush and meadows.

Are you thinking about welding a row of wires to a metal frame?

Also, I noticed that one of the web pages has bulk discounts. I can't remember which one though.

The template I saw was two blocks (2x6 lumber) that had a few holes drilled in them. The wire was run in there and held by another block on top. My friend has a similar setup and it has been through 2 fire seasons. He also soaks the wood in a bucket most of the time to keep it wet. It seems to work very well, if needed he can replace the wires, or make them longer/shorter.

Edward

Sounds good.

I found the soft packs from the GSA for $109.
4320-00-289-8912 AbilityOne EA $109.48