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Commission approves tanker task force SOP, sets 2,000‑gallon minimum
Summary
Pittsylvania County adopted an SOP creating a standardized tanker task force (four tankers, a field engine and a task‑force leader) and set a 2,000‑gallon minimum tanker capacity to improve water‑supply responses in rural areas.
The Pittsylvania County Fire and Rescue Commission approved a tanker task force standard on Aug. 21 that defines when and how multiple tankers are dispatched to incidents with inadequate pressurized water supply.
Under the SOP, the county will dispatch a tanker task force consisting of a minimum of four tankers (each at least 2,000 gallons), one field site engine and one tanker task force leader to incidents that require sustained water shuttle operations. The incident commander will assign a tanker task force leader — an officer or senior firefighter — to coordinate water‑supply operations and staging.
Committee members said the standard formalizes existing practice in a largely rural county where hydrants are limited. “We did designate that a tanker is a minimum 2,000 gallons,” a committee presenter said during discussion, noting the NFPA reference to larger capacities but explaining the county chose 2,000 because of equipment already in service.
The policy spells out response and staging protocols, dump‑site and field‑site operations, communications, safety and demobilization procedures, and calls for countywide training and drills. Commissioners discussed that some stations (three identified in the meeting) currently operate tankers smaller than the 2,000‑gallon threshold; speakers emphasized those departments should continue to respond while newer purchases be encouraged to meet the standard.
Supporters said the SOP reduces guesswork for incident commanders: when a commander requests the tanker task force, dispatch and responding agencies immediately know the composition and minimum water volume being sent. Commissioners approved the SOP by roll call vote and asked county staff to implement training and oversight measures as needed.
The commission also linked the tanker SOP to planning for electric vehicle (EV) fires and other incidents that can require large volumes of water.
