Planning and preparation for the Superpumper:
Background: The contract was signed December 3, 1963. The concept originated from marine architects and engineers. It was primarily designed to draft water itself or be supplied by fireboats, but could be supplied by hydrants. There was a lot of research done to determine adequate water supply from high pressure mains in downtown Brooklyn and Manhattan, where they targeted most use. They determined low pressure hookup locations. They found drafting sites. New fittings were designed. Mack proposed the apparatus capabilities and specifications. The Bureau of Fire did all the evolutions for operation. This was all new stuff.
Quarters: It was decided that the Superpumper and the Supertender had to be quartered together because the Tender carried necessary hose, fittings and equipment for operation. An analysis of major fires (5th or greater) indicated lower Manhattan and Williamsburg had the highest incidence. The Newtown Creek areas of Brooklyn and Queens was also targeted a high hazard area due to the type of buildings and insufficient water mains. Engine 211 was selected due to its central location to these three areas and access to major arteries to go elsewhere in the city. E211 also had three bays, floor load bearing capacity, adequate door width and sufficient street width. L119 was a high ladder and was able to be positioned behind E211. (Note - eventually the Superpumper quarters were built on Tillary St w/E207).
Satellites: They had considered housing all three Satellites with the Superpumper/Supertender. They decided that if the Satellites were positioned in different boroughs, at least one would most likely reach the fire before the Superpumper and would be able to lay supply lines and discharge lines. They also determined Satellities could operate independently with a fireboat or with assigned engines. They decided to initially locate the Satellites at E31, E83 and E242 due to response requirements and road networks.
Response Plans: The department planned response of the Superpumper system was to 2nd alarms in lower Manhattan, Red Hook, Williamsburg and the Newtown Creek area. It would also respond to all other 3rd alarms. They expected 300 runs a year. All 2nd alarms had a Sattelite response as well as any fire in which a fireboat was operating on a land fire.
Personnel: A selection board looked for firefighters with experience in tractor trailer driving and in diesel engine mechanics. A training program was established for prospective members.
Evolutions: Operations planned included: taking in suction; fireboat supply; high pressure system use; low pressure system use; conventional pumper supply; use of Supertender and Satellite monitors; conventional pumper supply; supply to water mains; and use of hose bridges.
(info from WNYF articles)
