A location where a fire engine can position itself to pull water from a static source like a pond, river, or swimming pool. The process relies on atmospheric pressure pushing water up a hard suction hose into a partial vacuum created by the pump. Sites must have solid ground for the heavy apparatus and a water depth sufficient to submerge the strainer without pulling up mud or debris.
Heard on the job
We need a drafting site on the east side of the lake to keep the tankers filled.
Insider tip
A good drafting site requires a vertical lift of no more than 10 feet, as higher lifts drastically reduce the pump capacity.