Spring Lake Fire Department

This month you may see personnel from Spring Lake Fire Department out flowing hydrants.

We have began hydrant testing and maintenance. So why do we do this.

Hydrant testing is essential for ensuring that fire hydrants are operational and can deliver the necessary water flow and pressure during emergencies. This process is crucial for effective firefighting and public safety.

Key Reasons for Hydrant Testing
Functionality Check:

Testing verifies that hydrants are in proper working condition, allowing firefighters to access water quickly when needed.

Flow and Pressure Assessment: It measures the water flow rate and pressure to ensure they meet the required standards for firefighting operations.

Identification of Issues:

Regular testing helps identify problems such as leaks, corrosion, or mechanical failures that could impede water supply during a fire.

Compliance with Standards:

Hydrant testing is often mandated by fire safety regulations, ensuring that local fire departments can rely on hydrants during emergencies.
Testing Frequency

Annual Inspections:

Fire hydrants should be inspected at least once a year to confirm they are operational.

Flow Tests:

These tests are typically conducted every five years to assess the water supply capabilities of the hydrants and the connected water distribution system.

Regular hydrant testing is a critical component of fire safety management, ensuring that hydrants are ready to provide the necessary support in emergency situations.

Come check Us out on Tik Tok!

Spring Lake Fire Department on TikTok 1 Followers, 0 Following, 1 Likes - Watch awesome short videos created by Spring Lake Fire Department

On Saturday, 5/16/2026, C -Shift conducted ropes and knots training which is designed to ensure members are quip with the essential skills needed for effective rope use in firefighting and rescue operations. This training is aligned with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for firefighter qualifications.

This training is vital for ensuring that members are proficient in using ropes and knots, which enhances their operational safety and effectiveness during emergencies

On May 3, 2026, C Shift took advantage of the sunny skies to conduct training at the training center. The topic of the training was on rescue drags. There was a few evolutions that involved moving a downed firefighter (or civilian) up a flight of stairs.

Firefighter rescue drag training is a, often, high-stress, hands-on instructional method designed to teach firefighters how to quickly and safely remove a downed, unconscious, or incapacitated firefighter (or civilian) from a hazardous, smoke-filled environment. These training sessions focus on techniques for navigating tight spaces, dealing with zero visibility, and overcoming the physical exhaustion of moving a heavy, fully geared individual.

Core Training Techniques

Downed Firefighter Drags: Specialized maneuvers such as the "push-pull" method, using the Drag Rescue Device (DRD) built into turnout gear, or converting SCBA straps into a harness for towing.

"Dirty" Drags: Rapid, improvised removal techniques used when time is critical and there is no opportunity for careful packaging of the victim.

Leverage and Webbing: Using tools like tubular webbing to create makeshift handles or harness systems to improve efficiency and reduce strain on the rescuer.

On 4/16/2026, C-Shift spent the morning at the training center getting in forcible entry repetitions.

Forcible entry involves specific techniques that firefighters use to gain access to locked or blocked buildings during emergencies. This skill is crucial for effective emergency response, allowing firefighters to quickly enter structures to save lives and mitigate damage.

These types of repetitions on different techniques are critical for ensuring that firefighters can adapt to different situations and types of locks they may encounter during their operations.

This month Spring Lake Fire Department began their annual hose testing. Annual fire hose testing is a mandatory yearly safety process required by NFPA 1962 to inspect and hydrostatically test fire hoses for leaks, weak couplings, or damage to ensure they are safe for operational use. It involves applying high-pressure water to identify potential failures.

NFPA 1962 is the standard for care, use, inspection, service testing and replacement of fire hose, couplings, nozzles and fire hose appliances. It lays out timelines for testing and record-keeping, as well.

All fire hose must be service tested before being placed into service, or no later than one year from its date of manufacture. Once in service, department hose should undergo service testing at least annually.

On 4/9/2026, C Shift was out at the training center conducting annual hose testing the LDH (Large Diameter Hose) carried on the two sister Spartan Engines. LDH is a high-volume supply hose, typically 5 inches in diameter, used to transport water from a hydrant to a fire engine, or between engines. Designed for minimal friction loss, so water supply is optimized on major fires.

All lanes of Bragg Boulevard are currently closed to both northbound and southbound traffic due to downed power lines; drivers are advised to avoid the area.

Always check your smoke alarms every month. Plan and practice 2 ways out of your home. Have a safe place for everyone to meet at. Get out and stay out.

Today (4/4/2026) C-Shift took advantage of the beautiful weather to conduct some hose deployment training at the training center. Firefighter hose deployment training focuses on rapid, efficient, and safe handling of hose lines to suppress fires. It includes hands-on drills for packing, carrying, and advancing hose lines, managing kinks, and coordinating water application with team members. This type of training also emphasizes on building muscle memory and improving operational readiness under pressure.