How much water reserve should be kept in the tank during operations?

Maintaining an adequate water reserve during operations is crucial for fire suppression efforts. The recommended amount of 100 gallons strikes a balance between ensuring that firefighters have sufficient water available for initial fire suppression while also managing the weight and space in the apparatus. Having this reserve allows for effective response to both immediate firefighting needs and unforeseen circumstances, such as flare-ups or the necessity for ongoing firefighting tactics. The 100-gallon reserve is often seen as a baseline that provides effective operational readiness without overloading the capabilities of the vehicle or the team. This approach allows firefighters to operate safely and efficiently during incident response, ensuring they can manage water resources effectively as they engage with the fire scene.