Conserving water with Lethbridge Fire
Hal Roberts- 0
- 1 minute read
Water is an indispensable tool for fighting fire, but as the city works to promote water conservation, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) is doing its part.
According to platoon chief Dave Heatherington, LFES has taken several steps to limit the amount of water it uses, including reducing the frequency that it washes fire apparatus and fire bases. The department is also utilizing equipment like high efficiency pumps, water saving nozzles and aerial equipment. Plus, it is centralizing training which requires flowing water to Station 4 where there is a water recovery system to recapture runoff.
Still, fighting a fire consumes an incredible amount of water. The LFES claims a residential fire requires between 2,000 to 8,000 litres per minute, while larger commercial fires can demand more than 20,000 litres per minute. As a result. Heatherington says preventing fires is the best way to reduce water usage by LFES and that’s why a fire ban remains in effect for the river valley in Lethbridge where conditions remain extremely dry.
