Which statement is true about IFSTA's recommendation for pumpers in water shuttle operations?

• A. IFSTA requires no minimum.
• B. IFSTA recommends at least 2 pumpers.
• C. IFSTA requires 4 pumpers.
• D. IFSTA requires 1 pumper.

Answer: (B)

In water shuttle operations, keeping a steady water supply relies on two pumpers working in tandem. One pumper is focused on pulling water from the source and sending it into the shuttle, while the other pumper takes that water from the shuttle and delivers it to the attack engine or directly to the fire line. This setup allows the system to fill and discharge water at the same time, preventing delays and maintaining a higher, more reliable flow to the fire.

Having just one pumper would create a bottleneck—you’d have to pause filling to discharge, or vice versa, breaking the continuous water supply. The requirement isn’t four pumpers, and IFSTA does set a minimum, which is at least two pumpers, to ensure a practical and effective relay.