When spotting an aerial ladder master stream and the distance is over 200 feet, what is the recommended action?

When spotting an aerial ladder master stream from a distance over 200 feet, requesting an additional engine to spot at the truck is the recommended action. This is because aerial master streams require a robust and reliable water supply, especially when positioned far from hydrants.

By bringing in an additional engine to assist, you ensure that you have a sufficient water supply while also maintaining a safe and effective operation. This setup allows for redundancy, as it can be challenging to deliver the needed water flow efficiently over such distances with a single apparatus, especially when dealing with potential friction loss in the hose line. Moreover, the additional engine can aid in other vital functions like setting up a supply line, ensuring that the aerial ladder can operate at maximum effectiveness without the risk of an inadequate water supply.

Spotting the aerial ladder at a hydrant or utilizing a longer hose may not adequately address the challenges posed by distance, nor would simply placing the truck at the far end of the roadway ensure an optimal setup for firefighting operations. Having a dedicated engine provides a strategic advantage and helps mitigate risks during a critical firefighting scenario.