Wildland Fire Engine Requirements

Wildland fire engines are specifically designed to transport firefighters and provide them with access to water and other necessary equipment required to combat wildfires. There are five main types of wildfire fire engines: Type 3, Type 4, Type 5, Type 6, and Type 7. Such engines vary in size based on how many gallons of water they hold as well as how many gallons per minute their pumps can produce.

Type 1 and 2 engines are the largest and are equipped to carry larger pumps and ladders for structure fires. Types 3 and 4 are midsize to allow for large water capacity as well as mobility. The smallest engines are Type 5–7, which are optimal for navigating through rough terrain.

Each type of engine has its own unique set of requirements to ensure optimal performance. To better understand wildland fire engine requirements for each type of engine, continue reading.

Type 3 engine requirements

• Minimum pump flow: 150 GPM at a rated pressure of 250 PSI
• Minimum tank capacity: 500 US gallons
• Maximum tank capacity: 1,500 US gallons
• Hose length:
  • 1 ½ inch: 1,000 feet
  • 1 inch: 500 feet
• Minimum number of personnel: 3
• Maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): greater than 26,000 lbs.

Type 4 engine requirements

• Minimum pump flow: 50 GPM at a rated pressure of 100 PSI
• Minimum tank capacity: 750 US gallons
• Maximum tank capacity: 1500 US gallons
• Hose length:
  • 1 ½ inch: 300 feet
  • 1 inch: 300 feet
• Minimum number of personnel: 2
• Maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): greater than 26,000 lbs.

Type 5 engine requirements

• Minimum pump flow: 50 GPM at a rated pressure of 100 PSI
• Minimum tank capacity: 400 US gallons
• Maximum tank capacity: 749 US gallons
• Hose length:
  • 1 ½ inch: 300 feet
  • 1 inch: 300 feet
• Minimum number of personnel: 3
• Maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): 26,000 lbs.

Type 6 engine requirements

• Minimum pump flow: 50 GPM at a rated pressure of 100 PSI
• Minimum tank capacity: 150 US gallons
• Maximum tank capacity: 400 US gallons
• Hose length:
  • 1 ½ inch: 300 feet
  • 1 inch: 300 feet
• Minimum number of personnel: 2
• Maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): 19,500 lbs.

Type 7 engine requirements

• Minimum pump flow: 10 GPM
• Minimum tank capacity: 50 US gallons
• Maximum tank capacity: 200 US gallons
• Hose length:
  • 1 inch: 200 feet
• Minimum number of personnel: 2
• Maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): 14,000 lbs.

 

The Supply Cache has been providing innovative industry-leading solutions for the wildland fire community since 1991. We provide a range of quality, specialized wildland fire gear to enhance the safety of our customers. Our ever-expanding list of products includes collapsible water tanks, fire line tools, forestry hose nozzles, field instruments, and wildland apparel. For more information regarding our products, contact us today.