NFPA 1901
STANDARD FOR AUTOMOTIVE FIRE APPARATUS
2016
Administration
 This standard defines the requirements for new automotive fire apparatus and trailers
designed to be used under emergency conditions.
 This standard specifies the minimum requirements for new automotive fire apparatus and
trailers.
 This standard shall apply to new fire apparatus that meet the following criteria:
• Have 10,000 lb. (4,500 kg) or greater gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or are trailers intended to be
towed by fire apparatus under emergency response conditions.
• Are designed for use under emergency conditions to transport personnel and equipment and to
support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous situations.
• Are contracted for on or after January 1, 2016.
 Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods or equipment of
equivalent or greater quality, strength, fire resistance, efficiency, durability and safety than those
prescribed by this standard.
 Either set of unit i.e. U.S. customary or SI units; can be used but the same set of values shall
be used consistently.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
 This standard shall be applied on the types of apparatus which are discussed in it.
 It is the purchaser's responsibility to specify the details of the apparatus in addition to the
requirements in NFPA 1901 that the manufacturer needs to assemble the apparatus.
 It is the responsibility of contractor to provide a detailed description of apparatus, its
equipment to be furnished, construction and performance details.
 All components shall be installed according to the manufacturers installation instructions.
 The apparatus shall comply with all applicable federal & provincial laws & regulations.
 The apparatus should be tested and certified by an independent third-party organization.
 Guards, shields or other protection as well as safety signs shall be provided where necessary
in order to prevent injury by hot, moving or electrical equipment.
The controls, switches, instruction plates, labels, gauges & instruments should be labelled &
illuminated
For external illumination it should be minimum 5fc (50 lx) & for internal illumination, it should
be minimum 4 fl (14 cd/m2) & they should be resistant to atmospheric conditions.
All apparatus shall be equipped with on-board vehicle data recorder (VDR).
The apparatus shall be capable of accelerating from 0 to 35 mph (55 km/hr) within 25 seconds
on a 0 percent grade.
The apparatus shall be designed in such a way that routine maintenance check can be
performed without using any hand tool.
The apparatus shall be tested before and on delivery.
Pumper Fire Apparatus
 It shall be equipped with a fire pump that has a minimum capacity of 750 gpm (3000 L/min).
 It shall be equipped with an aerial device.
 It should have a water tank which have a certified capacity of 300 gal (1100 L).
 There should be a weather-resistant compartmentation with minimum storage of 40 ft³.
 The fire department ground ladders shall be carried on apparatus:
1.
2.
3.
One straight ladder with roof hooks
One extension ladder
One folding ladder
 A minimum of 20 ft (6 m) of suction hose or 15 ft (4.5 m) of supply hose shall be carried.
Minor Equipment
1
800 ft of 22 in. or larger fire hose
1
3
400 ft of 12 in., 14 in., or 2 in. fire hose
One handline nozzle, 200 gpm (750 L/min) minimum
Two handline nozzles, 95 gpm (360 L/min) minimum
1
One smoothbore or combination nozzle with 2 2 in. shutoff that flows a minimum of 250 gpm.
Initial Attack Fire Apparatus
It shall be equipped with a fire pump having ,minimum capacity of 250 gpm (1000 L/min).
It should have a foam proportioning system.
A water tank with a minimum certified capacity of 200 gal (750 L).
A minimum of 22 ft³ of enclosed water resistant compartmentation for equipment storage.
1
2
A minimum hose storage area of 10 ft³ for 2 in. or larger fire hose.
1
Two areas, each a minimum of 3.5 ft³ to accommodate 1 in. or larger connected fire hose
2
lines.
A 12 ft or longer combination or extension type fire department ground ladder.
A minimum of 20 ft of suction hose or 15 ft of supply hose shall be carried.
Minor Equipment
1
2
300 ft of 2 in. or larger fire hose
400 ft of 1
1
2
𝑖𝑛. , 1
3
4
𝑖𝑛. Or 2 in. fire hose
Two handline nozzles, 95 gpm (360 L/min) minimum
Mobile Water Supply Fire Apparatus
It shall be equipped with a fire pump.
It shall be equipped with foam proportioning system.
A water tank that has a minimum certified capacity of 1000 gal (4000 L).
A minimum enclosed water resistant storage of 10 ft³.
1
2
Hose storage area of 6 ft³ for 2 in. or larger fire hose.
1
If there is a pump in apparatus, hose storage of minimum 100 ft of 1 in. or larger shall be
2
provided.
A minimum of 20 ft of suction hose or 15 ft of supply hose shall be carried.
Minor Equipment
1
2
It shall be equipped with at least 200 ft of 2 in. or larger fire hose.
1
2
3
4
100 ft of 1 in., 1 in. or 2 in. fire hose
One handline nozzle, 95 gpm (360 L/min)
Aerial Fire Apparatus
 It shall be equipped with fire pump.
A foam proportioning system.
A Water Tank.
An enclosed weather-resistant compartmentation of minimum 40 ft³ for equipment storage.
If there is a fire pump and water tank in apparatus then two areas, each a minimum of 3.5 ft³ to
1
accommodate 1 2 in. or larger preconnected fire hose lines shall be provided.
A minimum of 115 ft ground ladder.
The following types of ladders shall be provided:
1.
2.
3.
One folding ladder
Two straight ladders (with folding roof hooks)
Two extension ladder
Quint Fire Apparatus
It shall be equipped with a fire pump that has a minimum rated capacity of 1000 gpm (4000
L/min).
It shall be equipped with an aerial device.
A foam proportioning system.
A water tank that has a minimum certified capacity of 300 gal (1100 L).
An enclosed weather- resistant compartmentation of minimum 40 ft³ for equipment storage.
1
A minimum hose storage area of 30 ft³ for 22 in. or larger fire hose.
1
 Two areas, each a minimum of 3.5 ft³, to accommodate 1 2 in. or larger preconnected fire hose
lines.
Minimum of 85 ft of fire department ground ladders to include at least one extension ladder,
one straight ladder equipped with roof hooks and one folding ladder.
Minor Equipment
1
2
800 ft of 2 in. or larger fire hose
1
2
3
4
400 ft of 1 in., 1 in. or 2 in. fire hose
One handline nozzle, 200 gpm (750 L/min)
Two handline nozzles, 95 gpm (360 L./min)
1
8
1
4
One playpipe with shutoff and 1 in., 1 in. and 1 in. tips
Special Service Fire Apparatus
It shall be equipped with a fire pump.
An enclosed weather-resistant compartmentation of minimum 120 ft³ for equipment storage.
A minimum of 20 ft of suction hose or 15 ft of supply hose shall be carried.
It shall be equipped with ground ladder.
Mobile Foam Fire Apparatus
It shall be equipped with a fire pump that has a minimum rated capacity of 750 gpm (3000
L/min).
It shall be equipped with aerial device.
It shall be equipped with a foam proportioning system. Its foam tank shall have a minimum
certified capacity of 500 gal (2000 L).
An enclosed weather-resistant compartmentation of minimum 40 ft³ for equipment storage.
1
A minimum hose storage area of 30 ft³ for 22 in. or larger fire hose & Two areas, each a
1
minimum of 3.5 ft³ to accommodate 12 in. or larger preconnected fire hose lines.
A minimum of 20 ft of suction hose or 15 ft of supply hose shall be carried.
Minor Equipment
1
800 ft of 22 in. or larger fire hose
1
3
400 ft of 12 in., 14 in., or 2 in. fire hose
Four foam or water handline nozzles, 200 gpm (750 L/min) minimum
Two foam or water handline nozzles, 95 gpm (360 L/min) minimum
One preconnected monitor, rated to discharge a minimum of 1000 gpm (4000 L/min), mounted
on top of the fire apparatus with a spray or foam nozzle rated at a minimum of 1000 gpm (4000
L/min).
Miscellaneous Equipment
One 6 lb flathead axe
One first aid kit
One 6 lb pickhead axe
Four combination spanner wrenches
One 6 ft pike pole or plaster hook
Two hydrant wrenches
One 8 ft or longer pike pole
One double female 2 in. adapter with threads
Two portable handlights
One approved dry chemical portable fire
extinguisher with a minimum 80 B;C rating
1
2
One 2 gal (9.5 L) or larger water
extinguisher
One self contained breathing apparatus
& One double male 2
1
2
1
in.
2
adapter with threads
 One rubber mallet
One automatic external defibrillator
Five fluorescent orange traffic cones
Five illuminated warning devices such as
highway flares
Chassis & Vehicle Components
Carrying Capacity
The GAWR & GCWR or GVWR of the chassis shall be adequate to carry the apparatus weight
when fully loaded. The in-service weight includes
•
•
•
•
•
The chassis, body & tank
Fuel, lubricant & other chassis or component fluid tanks or reservoirs
Full water & other agent tanks
250 lb (114 kg) in each seating position
Fixed & portable devices
The apparatus shall be designed in such a way that its in-service configuration does not exceed
the GVWR.
Engine & Engine System Design
There shall be an engine governor or electric fuel control system.
Audible & visual warning devices should be visible to the driver.
An engine speed auxiliary control device shall be installed.
The engine cooling system should maintain its temperature under all conditions.
The engine shall be provided with a lubrication system.
An air filter shall be provided in engine’s intake.
The exhaust piping or discharge outlet shall be located or shielded in a way that it does not
affect the equipment or apparatus.
Vehicle Components
All brakes shall be readily accessible for adjustment.
Parking brakes shall control the rear wheels or all wheels.
All apparatus with a GVWR of 36000 lb (16330 kg) or shall be equipped with an auxiliary
braking system.
Each load –bearing tire & rim of fire apparatus shall not carry a weight in excess of
recommended load for the operation of truck tires of size used.
The steering mechanism shall be capable of turning the front wheels to an angle of at least 30
degrees.
Driving & Crew Areas
Each crew riding position shall be provided with a seat and an approved seat belt designed to
accommodate a person with and without heavy clothing.
At any seat location, the maximum noise level shall be 90 dBA without any warning devices in
operation.
All the instrumentation and control devices shall be visible to the driver and approachable at
any time during work.
Body, Compartments & Equipment
Mounting
The compartmentation whether it is internal or external, it should be weather resistant,
ventilated and have provisions of drainage of moisture.
There shall be separate compartmentation for every type of equipment which is required in
apparatus.
The maximum stepping height shall not exceed 18 in., with the exception of ground to first step
which shall not exceed 24 in.
All steps shall have a minimum area of 35 in².
All steps, platforms or access ladder shall be designed and installed to sustain a minimum static
load of 500 lb (227 kg) without deformation.
All material used in the apparatus shall be slip resistant.
All exposed ferrous metal surfaces that are not plated or stainless shall be cleaned and
prepared and shall be painted or coated.
A retroreflective stripe shall be affixed to the apparatus.
The interior of hose storage shall be constructed to prevent the accumulation of water and
allow ventilation to aid in drying hose.
Ground ladders shall be mounted and protected to prevent movement, abrasion or other
damage to the ground ladder while they are on the fire apparatus.
Fire Pumps & Associated Equipment
The fire pump shall be mounted on apparatus and shall have a minimum rated capacity of 250 gpm
(1000 L/min) at 150 psi.
Where the pump is designed for ‘’pump and roll’’ operations, the vehicle drive engine and drive train
shall be arranged so that the pump can deliver at least 20 gpm at a gauge pressure of 80 psi while the
fire apparatus is moving at 2 mph or less.
If the pumping system is rated at less than 3000 gpm (12000 L/min). It shall be capable of delivering
the following:
• One hundred percent of rated capacity at 150 psi (1000 kPa) net pump monism
• Seventy percent of rated capacity at 200 psi (1400 kPa) net pump pressure.
• Fifty percent of rated capacity at 250 psi (1700 kPa) net pump pressure
If the pumping system is rated at 3000 gpm (12000 L/min) or greater. it shall be capable of delivering
the following:
• One hundred percent of rated capacity at 100 psi (700 kPa) net pump pressure.
• Seventy percent of rated capacity at 150 psi (1000 kPa) net pump pressure.
• Fifty percent of rated capacity at 200 psi (1400 kPa) net pump pressure
Pump Suction Capability
 The pump manufacturer shall certify that the fire pump is capable of pumping 100 percent of
rated capacity at 150 psi (1000 kPa) net pump pressure for pumps rated at less than 3000 gpm
(1200 L/min) or at 100 psi (700 kPa) for pumps rated at 3000 gpm or greater from draft through
20 ft of suction hose with a strainer attached under the following conditions:
• An altitude of 2000 ft above sea level
• Atmospheric pressure of 29.9 in.Hg (101 kPa)
• Water Temperature of 60°F (15.6°C)
 The pump manufacturer shall certify that the pump is capable of pumping rated capacity at
150 psi (1000 kPa) net pump pressure for pumps rated at less than 3000 gpm (1200 L/min) or
at 100 psi (700 kPa) for pumps rated at 3000 gpm or greater at any of the following special
conditions when these conditions are specified by the purchaser:
• At an elevation above 2000 ft (600 m)
• At lifts higher than those listed in Table (a) through more than 20 ft of suction hose or both
• For pumps having a rated capacity of 1500 gpm (6000 L/min) or larger, through a single suction hose
only or through the number of hose listed in Table (a). Attached to one side of apparatus only.
Construction Requirements
The pump body shall be subjected to a hydrostatic test to a minimum gauge pressure of 500 psi
for a minimum of 10 minutes.
The pump manufacturer shall provide a certificate of completion for hydrostatic test.
The pump shall be subjected to a hydrodynamic test in which the discharge pressure equals or
exceeds the maximum discharge pressure capability rating for a minimum of 5 minutes.
The certificate for completion of hydrodynamic test shall also be provided.
Water Tanks
All water tanks shall be made of non-corrosive material or other materials that are protective
against corrosion or deterioration.
Water tanks exposed to sunlight shall be opaque to prevent sunlight from entering.
Water tank shall be equipped with a method for removing the tank from the chassis.
Water tank shall be provided with swash partitions or baffles.
At least one transverse baffle shall be provided in tanks of 100 gallon or more.
A means of access 3 in. diameter or larger shall be furnished for each sump to facilitate
cleaning.
A water level indicator shall be provided.
If the water tank has a certified capacity of 500 gal or greater, the piping, and valve
arrangement shall be capable of delivering water to the pump at a minimum rate of 500 gpm or
the rated capacity of the pump.
If it is less than 500 gal, the piping and valve arrangement shall be capable of delivering water to
the pump at a minimum rate of 250 gpm.
3
4
The fill opening shall have a minimum inside diameter of 3 In.
The external fill connection shall be provided with a removable strainer.
The external fill connection shall permit a minimum filling rate of 1000 gpm (4000 L/min) for
mobile water supply apparatus.
Aerial Device
All piping and valves and components shall be fabricated of corrosion-resistant materials.
Holders shall be provided for storage of air breathing equipment when it is not in use.
A low air warning system shall be provided that will monitor the air volume and provide an
audible and visual warning at both the upper and lower control stations when the air volume is
at or below 20 percent.
The rated capacity of aerial ladder shall be minimum load of 250 lb (114 kg) carried at the
outermost rung of outermost fly section with aerial ladder placed in the horizontal position and
maximum extension.
Rated capacities in excess of 250 lb shall be stated in increments of 250 lb & shall be in addition
to any fire fighter equipment.
The aerial ladder shall be capable of carrying its rated capacity at the angle of 45°.
A weather resistant two-way voice communication system shall be provided between the aerial
ladder operator’s position and the tip of ladder.
A power operated system for elevating and lowering the aerial ladders under all the rated
conditions of loading shall be provided.
A power operated turntable shall be provided that will allow continuous rotation in either
direction under all the rated conditions of loading.
The transition step between top rung of ladder and platform shall not be greater than 18 in.
On elevating platforms of 110 ft or less rated vertical height, a permanent water delivery water
delivery system shall be installed.
The water delivery system shall be capable of delivering 1000 gpm at 100 psi nozzle pressure
with elevating platform at its rated vertical height.
The railing design shall be capable of withstanding a force of 225 lbf (1000 N) at any point from
any direction without permanent deformation.
If the rated vertical height of aerial device is 110 ft or less, all stabilizers shall be deployed from
the stored position to operating position within 90 seconds.
The distance between each rung shall not exceed 12 in.
Foam Proportioning System
The foam proportioning system shall be capable of proportioning foam concentrate in
accordance with the foam concentrate manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of foam
concentrate used in the system over the system’s design range of flow and pressures.
The purchaser shall specify the following
•
•
•
•
Range of water flow and pressure
Proportioning rates
Types of concentrate
Brand viscosity of concentrate
 The control and display of all pressure gauges or flowmeters of foam proportioning system
shall be located at pump operator’s position.
Swash Partitions
All foam concentrate tanks shall be provided with swash partitions arranged such that maximum
dimension perpendicular to the plane of any partition shall not exceed 36 in.
The swash partition shall extend from wall to wall and cover at least 75 percent area of plane of
partition.
The tank shall be provided with a fill tower or expansion compartment having a minimum area
of 12 in.² and having a volume of not less than 1 percent of the total tank volume.
The fill opening shall incorporate a removable screen with a mesh not to exceed 0.25 in.
A minimum 1 in. inside diameter full flow drain valve & piping shall be provided at the lowest
point of any foam concentrate tank.
The foam concentrate tank shall be constructed and installed to be independent of the
apparatus body.
The foam tank should be labeled properly which shall include the type of foam, any restriction
or any warning.
The foam concentrate pump shall operate without cavitation when delivering maximum rated
flow.
If an in-line eductor is provided on apparatus then the following information shall be provided:
1
3
• Maximum hose length using 12in., 1 4in. & 2 in.
• Allowable elevation changes
• The flow rate of nozzle must match the flow rate of system.
Two copies of maintenance manual shall be provided
The manual shall include its complete diagram, operating instructions, system foam
concentrate capabilities, original system calibration and details outlining all maintenance
procedure.
The system shall be tested and certified.
Compressed Air Foam Systems
The air flow shall be expressed in standard cubic meter per minute and shall be based on
continuous flow capacity of the compressed air source at a minimum gauge pressure of 125 psi.
The water flow shall be expressed in gallons per minute at a gauge pressure of 125 psi.
The fire apparatus shall be capable of supplying power for operating of CAFS.
The compressed air system shall be capable of continuous rated air supply for a duration of 6
hours without needing any adjustment or maintenance.
The compressed air system should have a relief valve which prevents it from exceeding 110% of
maximum allowable working pressure of the system.
A means of mixing air and foam solution that provides for a homogeneous mixture of
compressed air and foam solution shall be provided on CAFS.
Its controls & gauges shall be located on pump operator’s panel and it shall have an instructions
plate.
A standby run test shall be performed on CAFS.
Command & Communications
The command center shall be enclosed within vehicle crew area or body.
It shall be provided with a heater capable of maintaining the temperature at a minimum of
60°F (16°C) with the fire apparatus door closed.
If an air conditioner is provided, it shall be capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of
20° F (11°C) below ambient down to 22°C.
When the apparatus is stopped with all components continuous work, the noise levels in the
command area shall not exceed 80 dBA.
Lighting levels during command operations shall provide a continuous 25 fc in the command
area.
Storage shall be provided for seating that is not permanently mounted.
The communication equipment shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
The interior shall be free of sharp corners, edges, projections etc.
All computer equipment shall be installed in a manner to reduce shock, vibration & mechanical
injuries.
Air Systems
Compressor and booster supplied system shall be capable of storage and operation in any
ambient temperature between 32°F and 110°F (0°C and 43°C).
Cascade and air system shall be capable of storage and work in any ambient temperature
between 0°F and 100°F (-18°C and 43°C).
It shall be equipped with flexible hose.
It shall be equipped with visual and audible alarms.
It shall be equipped with air purification system.
Winches
The winches shall be designed for intended use & shall be installed in accordance with winch
manufacturer’s recommendations.
It shall have a minimum wire rope or synthetic rope length of 75 ft.
It shall be equipped with a clutch assembly to permit free spooling and quick removal of the
wire or synthetic rope.
 Operation of the winch shall be from a remote location at least 12 ft from the winch or within
an enclosed area.
Trailers
Trailers can be classified as Type-I, Type-II & Type-III.
The stated load capacity of the trailer shall be the GVWR of the trailer less the empty weight of the trailer
and the weight of permanently mounted equipment.
The final stage manufacturer shall permanently affix an information label that includes the dimensions
load capacity, maximum tire pressure etc.
Instructions shall include the proper method of connecting trailer with vehicle.
All trailers chassis with a GVWR of 3000 lb (1360 kg) or greater shall be equipped with a braking system on
each axle.
The trailer hitch shall be selected to meet or exceed the GVWR of the trailer.
The final stage trailer manufacturer shall state the minimum continuous electrical load required to be
provided by the tow vehicle.
There should be reflective markings on trailers.