Swimming pools, wells, streams and water storage tanks are all excellent water sources for fire engines to refill their tanks or for homeowners to use to saturate their property, but are useless without pumps and hoses.

A residential swimming pool usually holds between 18,000 and 30,000 gallons of water. This is enough to fill a typical fire engine up to 100 times! Keep in mind that even if you have a swimming pool, it is most likely located in the backyard. Fire engines typically only carry 20 feet of suction hose. They either need to be able to park directly next to your pool or pond, or have someone (you) pump the water to them. Most fire engines do not carry portable pumps! With some simple preplanning and a few supplies, your pool (or other water source) could save your home and that of your neighbors.

If you have a large source of water on your property, consider purchasing (and learning how to use) a gasoline powered water pump and enough hose line to go from that water source to the street. You can also hook your home water defense sprinklers to this pump to leave running in the event of an evacuation.

When wildfire threatens, set up your water pump and preposition hose lines. Be sure to put up a large and clearly marked sign letting the fire crews know they can refill their engines at your house. Because this water source is so valuable to firefighters, they will fiercely protect it (and your home).

Swimming pools, wells, streams and water storage tanks are all excellent water sources for fire engines to refill their tanks or for homeowners to use to saturate their property, but are useless without pumps and hoses.

A residential swimming pool usually holds between 18,000 and 30,000 gallons of water. This is enough to fill a typical fire engine up to 100 times! Keep in mind that even if you have a swimming pool, it is most likely located in the backyard. Fire engines typically only carry 20 feet of suction hose. They either need to be able to park directly next to your pool or pond, or have someone (you) pump the water to them. Most fire engines do not carry portable pumps! With some simple preplanning and a few supplies, your pool (or other water source) could save your home and that of your neighbors.

If you have a large source of water on your property, consider purchasing (and learning how to use) a gasoline powered water pump and enough hose line to go from that water source to the street. You can also hook your home water defense sprinklers to this pump to leave running in the event of an evacuation.

When wildfire threatens, set up your water pump and preposition hose lines. Be sure to put up a large and clearly marked sign letting the fire crews know they can refill their engines at your house. Because this water source is so valuable to firefighters, they will fiercely protect it (and your home).