On Saturday, all three of our local volunteer fire departments—Port Bolivar VFD, Crystal Beach VFD, and High Island VFD—came together at Swedes Park for a training session focused on dump tank operations. This hands-on exercise involved setting up a 3,000-gallon dump tank, a vital piece of equipment used during large fires in areas without nearby fire hydrants or reliable water sources. Firefighters practiced the full sequence: filling the dump tank from a tanker truck, and then drafting water from the tank to supply a fire engine, which provides the pressure needed to pump water through hoses.
The training simulated a real-world scenario in which the fire engine—limited in how much water it can carry—relies on a steady supply from a water tanker. The dump tank acts as a temporary water reservoir, allowing tankers to quickly offload and then return to refill at a designated water supply site. This continuous shuttle and refill process can go on repeatedly, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of water at the fire scene.
Throughout the session, all three departments rotated their engines to draft and pump, sharpening their skills and reinforcing the teamwork necessary in emergency situations. Periodic training like this is essential to ensure efficiency, speed, and safety when real fires strike—especially in areas where infrastructure is limited.
A big thank you to the men and women of Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach, and High Island Volunteer Fire Departments for your dedication, professionalism, and for keeping our community safe.
