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S-211, Portable Pumps and Water Use (ILT)

Course Title
Portable Pumps and Water Use (ILT)
Version Date

2012

Previous Certification Dates

2004-10
1978-09
1993-02

Course Number
S-211
Other Training Which Supports
Basic Faller (FAL3), Advanced Faller (FAL1), Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP), Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB), Intermediate Faller (FAL2)
Course Description

This course is designed to provide knowledge and skills to design, setup, operate, troubleshoot, and shut down portable water delivery systems. The focus is on portable pumps – it does not address water delivery for engines. Topics covered include: portable water delivery systems; equipment; roles and responsibilities; and system design and hydraulics. There is also a field exercise where students will apply what they learned in the classroom.

Course Objective

Demonstrate knowledge and skills to design, set up, operate, troubleshoot, and shut down portable water delivery systems.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Instructors must be knowledgeable in the use and maintenance of portable water pumps. Hydraulics unit requires competency in that subject matter.
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).

Examples of hoses (suction and discharge), appliances, hose accessories and tools, nozzles, and sprinklers.
High Pressure Pump Kit, NFES 000870.
NWCG Standards for Transporting Fuel, PMS 442
Field Day Exercise
PPE, including eye and ear protection
IRPG
Portable Pump Kits and additional equipment for setting up pumps (shovel, fuel, etc.) (1 per small group or as needed)
Hoses, appliances, hose accessories and tools, for setting up portable water delivery system (1 set per small group or as needed)
Optional: Sprinkler kit and other types of portable pumps (1 per small group or as needed)
Optional: Pump pressure gauges A-5

Business Steward
OMC Operations Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Instructors must be knowledgeable in the use and maintenance of portable water pumps. Hydraulics unit requires competency in that subject matter.
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 20-30 students. Instructors should maintain a 10:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 20-30 students. Instructors should maintain a 10:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

NWCG Latest Announcements

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center