Lengths of suction hose are removed from the rear of the fire engine.

The hose is connected together using "suction wrenches".

The suction hose is screwed onto the pump inlet.

We then place the hose into the water (note the strainer used on the end to prevent debris entering the pump).

A vacuum is created in the hose and water is "lifted" into the pump.

The pump operator then controls the flow of water to the firefighters.

The water can be turned on and off by the firefighter from where he is standing.

We can also control the  pattern of the water and make it into either a jet or a fine spray.