Tanker 704 serves as a vital water supply apparatus for the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department, supporting fire suppression operations in rural and suburban areas where hydrant access may be limited. Built on a Kenworth chassis with a Pierce tanker body, the apparatus was placed into service in 2003 to enhance the department’s ability to deliver large volumes of water directly to emergency scenes.
The unit is equipped with a 1,250 GPM fire pump, a 3,500-gallon water tank, and a 5,000-gallon portable dump tank that allows crews to establish and maintain sustained water shuttle operations during extended incidents. Side and rear dump valves enable rapid water transfer into portable tanks, helping support continuous firefighting operations in areas without municipal water systems.
Tanker 704 routinely responds to structure fires, brush fires, and large-scale incidents requiring additional water supply resources. The apparatus plays an especially important role within the department’s first-due area, which includes several non-hydranted communities throughout Sandy Spring, Ashton, Brinklow, Ednor, and Norwood. The unit also supports mutual aid responses throughout Montgomery County and neighboring jurisdictions when additional tanker resources are requested.
As one of the department’s specialty apparatus, Tanker 704 significantly enhances operational capabilities by ensuring a reliable water supply can be established quickly and efficiently during emergency incidents where hydrant infrastructure is unavailable or insufficient.
Key Specifications
- 2003 Pierce / Kenworth
- 1,250 GPM Pump
- 3,500-Gallon Water Tank
- 5,000-Gallon Portable Dump Tank
- Side Water Dumps
- Rear Water Dump
- Rural Water Supply Operations
- Water Shuttle Capability
