What is the primary function of a fire pump?

The primary function of a fire pump is to provide high-pressure water for firefighting purposes. Fire pumps are specifically designed to supply a large volume of water at high pressure to support firefighting operations, which is critical when battling fires in buildings or wildland areas. They ensure that firefighters have adequate water supply to extinguish flames effectively and maintain control over the situation.

While transferring water between tanks is a function that may occur in some fire systems, it does not serve the primary purpose of a fire pump, which is to deliver a powerful jet of water to extinguish fires. Measuring water flow rate is an important aspect of managing water systems and ensuring proper fire flow, but it is not a function of the fire pump itself. Pumping water for irrigation typically involves different design specifications and operational capacities that are not aligned with the intense demands of firefighting. Thus, the focus on high-pressure water delivery firmly establishes the fire pump's essential role in protecting lives and property during fire emergencies.