When charging a supply line, what is the first action involving the gated intake?

The first action involving the gated intake when charging a supply line is to bleed air off. This is crucial because air trapped in the supply line can create pressure issues and reduce water flow efficiency. By bleeding off the air, it ensures that the line fills with water properly and that the firefighters can maintain a consistent and effective flow of water as needed for firefighting operations. Air in the system can lead to sluggish response times, inconsistent water delivery, or even damage to firefighting apparatus. Thus, starting the charging process by bleeding off air is a systematic approach to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the water supply during fire suppression activities.

Other actions like opening the intake fully, closing it, or checking for leaks may follow after ensuring that the air has been bled off to maintain operational safety and effectiveness.