Katonah Fire Department's Tanker 6 joined other northern Westchester County fire departments in a multi-agency tanker drill organized by Bedford Hills Fire Department Monday night. Since many neighborhoods in this area of the county are established far away from fire hydrants, the ability to truck in water via huge tanker trucks is essential for fire protection. Bedford Hills organizers simulated a day time weekday structure fire, where the mutual aid system is implemented immediately to bring in tanker trucks from all around the area. Each tanker carries anywhere from 2000 to 3500 gallons of water. The scene of the simulated fire was on Capricorn Lane, off of Haines Road. Bedford Hills apparatus, including Engine 198, Engine 199, and Tanker 5, initially responded and set up firefighting operations. Upon arrival at the scene, Bedford Hills command confirmed a "structure fire" and dispatched mutual aid tankers and engines from Katonah, Golden's Bridge, Millwood, South Salem, Somers and Banksville. Water sources to refill the tankers were set up on Stanwood Road and Twin Ponds Drive. KFD Tanker 6 responded first and set up its portable pond, from which the Bedford Hills apparatus could pump water. Each portable pond can accommodate close to 3000 gallons of water, and serves as a pool from which water can be drawn. A second pond was also set up and tankers dumped their water supplies, and then went to refill. The idea was to sustain up to 1000 gallons of water per minute with tankers providing a steady water supply. These kinds of drills are vitally important, especially for daytime fire calls when volunteer personnel are limited and the mutual aid system becomes the key to effective firefighting. We enjoyed the opportunity to work with our neighbors in this worthwhile and effective drill.