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A friend thought this story might interest you, so bear with me as it ventures a bit outside our usual topics:
Back in the early '60s, the New York City Fire Department faced numerous challenges. As the city grew taller and denser, firefighting became increasingly complex. Sometimes, the very infrastructure meant to deliver water to quell fires would fail, leaving firefighters helpless against raging infernos. One particularly devastating incident occurred in April 1963 on Staten Island, where a massive fire overwhelmed the FDNY, causing millions in damages.
This event, remembered as "Black Saturday" by survivors, highlighted the dire need for better firefighting capabilities. A severe drought that year left traditional water sources depleted, exacerbating the problem. In response, the city introduced the Mack Super Pumper System, arguably one of the greatest advancements in firefighting history. Comprising five specialized vehicles working together, this system could handle even the toughest blazes.
From 1965 to the early '80s, the Mack Super Pumper responded to over 2,200 emergencies, with hundreds of firefighters operating it at some point. The heart of the system was a massive central pumping unit capable of drawing water from multiple hydrants, dropping lines into lakes or rivers, and delivering over 10,000 gallons per minute if necessary. At maximum pressure—350 psi—it could pump an impressive 8,800 gallons per minute, enough to feed connected fire trucks and power a water cannon capable of spraying water up to 600 feet away.
What made this machine extraordinary was its propulsion: a Napier-Deltic diesel engine originally designed for naval vessels during World War II. This beastly engine produced 2,400 horsepower and consumed 137 gallons of diesel fuel per hour, making it both powerful and loud. To keep it running smoothly, Mack fitted it onto a custom-built trailer pulled by a F715FSTP cab-over tractor. Despite its size—weighing in at 68,000 pounds—the entire setup remained remarkably reliable throughout its operational life.
Here are some astonishing stats about the Mack Super Pumper:
- At peak output, it discharged nearly 70,000 pounds of water onto fires every minute.
- During a Bronx fire, firefighters stretched 7,000 feet of hose just to reach a water source, yet the pump worked flawlessly.
- In 1967, it single-handedly supplied water to a postal annex fire, feeding not only its own tender truck but also three satellite units, two tower ladder trucks, and additional portable lines.
Even the hoses were state-of-the-art for their time, pressure-tested to 1,000 psi and typically operating between 350–800 psi. These high-pressure hoses, derived from WWII Navy designs, were significantly heavier than today's standards but revolutionary back then.
Today, the original Mack Super Pumper resides in a museum in Michigan, serving as a testament to human ingenuity under pressure. It reminds us how innovation often arises out of necessity—and how creativity can save countless lives and assets.
Thanks for sharing this fascinating piece of history!
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