Rapid Water Supply in the Forest

When fighting forest fires, water is everything, but it is not always close. During a training exercise with the Norwegian Civil Defence we used our mobile flood barriers to block a small stream and build a temporary water pool. The aim was to give large pumps a steady and strong water source within minutes, without heavy machines or permanent work.

Why water supply is the critical bottleneck

IIn wildland fires the main delay is water. Crews often move water over long distances or run long hose lines from far away. If you build a small reservoir near the fire, pumps stay primed, refills are faster, and teams can focus on putting out the flames instead of moving water.

Damming a small stream to build a temporary reservoir

Using our self-stabilising mobile barriers, the team made a short curved dam across the stream. This raised the water level and formed a pool. The L shaped design uses water pressure to hold the barrier steady. It also sits well on uneven ground, which helps stop water from leaking under the line and reduces the need for preparation. After the exercise we removed the dam and the stream flowed as normal.

How it worked in the field

We picked a safe shallow spot with good access. We planned the curve, joined the modules, checked the seals, and raised the water level step by step. We placed the pump intake in a clear area, watched the flow, and kept the site tidy. When the exercise ended we cleaned the modules and packed them for reuse.

What we learned

The exercise showed speed, flexibility, and low impact. With light gear and a small team the crew built a working reservoir quickly. The barrier fit the natural banks and cut down on preparation. The steady water level kept big pumps reliable and made refills faster. After demobilisation everything packed down for reuse and the stream returned to normal.

Beyond flood protection

Beyond flood protection, this exercise showed how the system can help in many situations. We’re thrilled with the results and proud of its flexibility. A big thank-you to the Norwegian Civil Defence and everyone involved for a smooth, safe, and successful exercise.