Definition & Operational Usage
A hydrant relay involves the coordinated operation of multiple fire apparatus, typically pumpers, to transport water from a remote hydrant to the fire scene. Each pumper in the relay enhances the pressure and flow of water, ensuring that adequate supply reaches the incident location, particularly in situations where the fireground is not directly accessible to hydrants. Not to be confused with a direct supply line, which connects a single pumper to a hydrant, a hydrant relay is essential in complex operations governed by the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Category context: Core tactics, command, suppression, ventilation, search, and water supply terminology used on the fireground.