DNVFRS adds 'portable fire hydrants' to fight wildfires and floods
In 2020, District of North Vancouver firefighters responded to a wildfire in the remote community of Sunshine Falls, just north of Deep Cove.
Despite limited access to fire hydrants, DNVFRS, with aid from other agencies, managed to quickly extinguish the fast-moving flames in the forest. As a result, there was no damage to homes or necessary evacuations.
Afterward, DNVFRS assessed its firefighting capabilities in the more remote District communities and residential areas where homes meet the forest, known as the Wildland Urban Interface.
DNVFRS determined it needed to add a mobile supply of water that was reliable and easy to access to effectively battle fires in both wildland areas or urban places where the local water supply system might be impacted.
“With our rivers and oceans, we have ample water in North Vancouver. But, aside from the Cates Park boat ramp, there are very few, if any, areas we can get our fire trucks close enough to draw water," says Fire Chief Brian Hutchinson. "That is especially true in areas with limited fire hydrants or none, as is the case in the communities of Woodlands, Sunshine Falls, and Cascades."
The solution? The HydroSub-60 Mass Water Supply System.
A mobile water supply
Made in the Netherlands, the unique HydroSub-60 technology allows firefighters to accesss large volumes of water in areas where fire hydrants are unavailable.
The submersible floating pump unit can be placed in a water source such as a river, lake or ocean up to 30 metres away from the fire truck. Once attached by hose, the portable units deliver more than 1,000 gallons per minute.
“These units become, in essence, portable fire hydrants for access to remote water sources that our fire engines cannot access due to geography, tides or other challenges,” says Chief Hutchinson.
DNVFRS’s two HydroSub-60 units arrived by freighter in March. A trainer from the Netherlands worked with firefighters and fleet mechanics in early June to familiarize them with operating and maintaining the units.
One HydroSub has been strategically positioned near the Indian Arm community of Cascades as a trial this summer for fast deployment in the case of a remote fire.
Flood response
“Destructive wildfires and overland flooding are the direct results of our changing climate,” says Chief Hutchinson.
With that in mind, the fire department has already ordered a flood pump accessory for these units, which will enable them to move out approximately 5,000 gallons per minute from areas impacted by flooding.
The District is one of only three municipalities in Canada to add this innovative equipment.
“Our municipality continues to support creative solutions and be an innovation leader,” says Chief Hutchinson. “This specialized equipment dramatically improves our ability to respond to remote wildfires, floods and other disasters and builds community resiliency.”
Related information
Learn how you can reduce the risk of wildfire
Get a free wildfire home hazard assessment if you live in the wildland urban interface
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