What is a recommended strategy for cooling an overheating fire pump?

Recirculating water back to the tank is a recommended strategy for cooling an overheating fire pump because it allows for a continuous flow of cooler water to pass through the pump. This process not only helps to dissipate heat but also maintains adequate lubrication and prevents damage to the internal components of the pump. By returning water to the tank, operators can manage the pump's temperature more effectively and ensure that it remains operational, which is crucial during firefighting operations where reliability is key.

Other methods like using a fire extinguisher on the pump or soaking it with water may not effectively address the heat issue and could potentially introduce other problems, such as damaging electrical components. Removing the pump from service immediately could lead to a loss of water supply in an emergency situation, which is not ideal when every moment counts in firefighting scenarios. Therefore, recirculating water back to the tank represents a strategic approach that balances cooling the pump with preserving its operational functionality.