Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator — Lesson 2
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator
Handbook, 2nd Edition
Chapter 2 — Types of Fire
Apparatus Equipped with
a Fire Pump
Learning Objectives
1. Answer questions about fire department
pumpers.
2. Choose correct responses about various
types of pumpers.
3. Select facts about mobile water supply
apparatus.
4. Recall information about wildland fire
apparatus.
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–1
(Continued)
Learning Objectives
5. Complete ICS pumper and water tender
(tanker) classification tables.
6. Select from a list characteristics of aircraft
rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) apparatus.
7. Select from a list characteristics of fire boat
apparatus.
8. List reasons for equipping aerial apparatus
(Continued)
with fire pumps.
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–2
Learning Objectives
9. Answer questions about aerial apparatus
equipped with fire pumps.
10. Select from a list characteristics of ladder
tenders.
11. Select facts about rescue apparatus
equipped with fire pumps.
12. Recognize information about electric power
(Continued)
generation equipment.
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–3
Learning Objectives
13. Answer questions about scene lighting and
electric power distribution equipment.
14. Select facts about hydraulic rescue tool
systems.
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–4
Fire Department Pumpers
• Provide water at an adequate pressure for
fire streams
• Are regulated by NFPA® 1901
• Must have a minimum pump capacity of
750 gpm (3 000 L/min); larger pumps are
found in increments of 250 gpm (1 000 L/min)
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–5
Fire Department Pumpers
• Must have intake and discharge pump
connections, pump and engine controls,
gauges, and other components to allow the
driver/operator to use the pump
• Must be equipped with a variety of hose sizes
and types
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–6
Fire Department Pumpers
• May include various types of equipment
• May be combined with the functions of a
rescue company
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–7
Industrial Pumpers
with Foam Capability
• Are large-capacity foam pumpers, manned by
the site fire brigade
• Are primarily intended to produce large
quantities of foam solution to attack Class B
fires and suppress vapors in spills
• Are built according to NFPA® 1901
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–8
Industrial Pumpers
with Foam Capability
• May be equipped with around-the-pump,
direct injection, balanced pressure foam
proportioning systems, compressed-air foam
systems (CAFS), or a combination of these
• May have CAFS in addition to, not instead of,
a proportioning system
• Use some form of balanced pressure
proportioning system because of the reliability
of the foam proportioning at large flows (Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–9
Industrial Pumpers
with Foam Capability
• Are equipped with fire pumps that range in
capacity from 1,000 to 3,000 gpm (4 000
L/min to 12 000 L/min) or greater
• Most have large foam concentrate tank on
board, ranging from 500 to 1,500 gallons
(2 000 L to 6 000 L) of concentrate
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–10
Industrial Pumpers
with Foam Capability
• Are typically equipped with a large fixed
foam/water turret capable of flowing the entire
capacity of the fire pump
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–11
Municipal Pumpers
with Foam Capability
• Some may be equipped with fixed Class A
and/or Class B foam systems
• Have foam proportioning systems that are
typically scaled-down versions of those
described for industrial apparatus
• Range from 20 to 100 gallons (80 L to 400 L)
• Are designed to be refilled with 5 gallon
(20 L) containers when necessary
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–12
Pumpers with
Elevating Water Devices
• Provide a means for discharging fire streams
from elevated nozzles
• Can be used to apply fire streams to the
lower floors of a building
• Range in height from 50 to 75 feet (15 m to
23 m)
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–13
Pumpers with
Elevating Water Devices
Photo courtesy: Joel Woods
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–14
Initial Attack Fire Apparatus
• Are basically scaled-down versions of the fire
department pumpers previously described
• Are built according to NFPA® 1901
• Types
– Minipumpers
– Midipumpers
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–15
Minipumpers
• Are smaller, quick-attack pumpers
• Are designed to handle small fires that do not
require the capacity or personnel needed for
a larger pumper
• Enable a department to initiate a quick attack
on small fires or fires in remote locations
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–16
Minipumpers
• Many are equipped with four-wheel drive
• Are most often mounted on one-ton chassis
with custom-made bodies or modular units
• Most have pumps with a capacity of no larger
than 500 gpm (2 000 L/min)
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–17
Minipumpers
• Carry most of the
same equipment as
a larger pumper, but
in smaller numbers
• Are able to get into
small spaces to set
up a master stream
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–18
Midipumpers
• Are well suited for small fires
• Have the ability to start an initial attack on
larger fires
• Are built on a chassis usually over 12,000
pounds (5 443 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–19
Midipumpers
• Are routinely equipped with pumps as large
as 1,000 gpm (4 000 L/min)
• Typically carry the same type equipment as a
full-size pumper
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–20
Midipumpers
Photo courtesy: Joel Woods
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–21
Differences Between
Minipumpers and Midipumpers
• Size
• Pump Capacity
• Amount of equipment carried
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–22
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
• Also known as water tenders or tankers
• Are used to transport water to areas beyond
a water system or to areas where water
supply is inadequate
• Have water tanks that are larger than those
generally found on standard pumpers
• Are designed to meet NFPA® 1901
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–23
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
• Must carry at least 1,000 gallons (4 000 L) to
be considered a mobile water supply
apparatus
• Are limited to 1,500 gallons (6 000 L) or less
for single rear-axle vehicles
• Are used as support vehicles for pumpers
that are attacking a fire
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–24
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
Photo courtesy: Joel Woods
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–25
Factors Affecting Water Tank Size
of Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
• Terrain
• Bridge weight limits
• Monetary constraints
• Size of other mobile water supply apparatus
in the area
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–26
Construction Requirements of
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
• Adequate but reasonable water tank capacity
• Adequate filling rate
• Adequate dump time
• Adequate suspension and steering
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–27
(Continued)
Construction Requirements of
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
• Properly sized chassis
• Properly sized engine for tank size and
terrain
• Sufficient braking ability
• Proper tank mounting
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–28
(Continued)
Construction Requirements of
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
• Proper and safe tank baffling
• Adequate tank venting system
• Ability to dump water from either side or the
rear of the apparatus
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–29
Wildland Fire Apparatus
• Are lightweight, highly maneuverable vehicles
that can go places inaccessible to larger
apparatus
• Are usually built on a one-ton or larger
vehicle chassis, and most have all-wheel
drive
• Most have pump capacities and water tank
sizes of less than 500 gallons (2 000 L)
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–30
Wildland Fire Apparatus
• Have the ability to “pump and roll”
– Method 1: Firefighters use short sections of attack
hose, walking alongside the apparatus (staying in
the “black” or burned area) and extinguishing fire
as they go
– Method 2: Firefighters use nozzles that are
remotely controlled from inside the cab
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–31
Wildland Fire Apparatus
• Some jurisdictions design their apparatus so
that firefighters may ride on the outside of the
vehicle and discharge water as the vehicle is
driven. This practice is strictly prohibited
by NFPA® 1500.
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–32
Wildland Fire Apparatus
• WARNING! It is hazardous to ride on the
outside of any fire apparatus, even during
slow-speed supply-hose-loading operations.
IFSTA does not condone riding on the outside
of the apparatus.
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–33
Wildland Fire Apparatus
• Most carry booster hose, forestry hose, or
small diameter attack lines
• May be equipped with remote-controlled
nozzles or ground sweep nozzles
• May carry Class A foam agents
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–34
Wildland Fire Apparatus
• Carry booster tanks
that vary from
approximately 50
gallons (200 L) on allterrain vehicles to in
excess of 1,000
gallons (4 000 L) on
larger apparatus
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–35
ICS Pumper and Water
Tender (Tanker) Typing
• The Incident Command System (ICS), as
defined by the National Incident Management
System (NIMS) categorizes pumping
apparatus by capability.
• Tables 2.1 and 2.2 are taken from the
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
(NWCG).
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–36
(Continued)
ICS Pumper and Water
Tender (Tanker) Typing
• While similar to those of the NWCG, the
FEMA resource typing requirements are
shown in Tables 2.3 and 2.4
• Individual states or jurisdictions may have
their own method of typing
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–37
ARFF Apparatus
• Were formerly referred to as crash, fire,
rescue (CFR) vehicles
• Provide immediate suppression of flammable
liquid fires and suppression of spill vapors on
airport properties
• Are required to meet NFPA® 414
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–38
ARFF Apparatus
• Classifications
– Major fire fighting vehicles
– Rapid intervention vehicles
– Combined agent vehicles
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–39
Fire Boat Apparatus
• Protect docks, wharves, piers, and boats in
waterfront cities
• May be a small, high-speed, shallow draft
vessel, or may be the size of a river, harbor,
or ocean-going tug, depending on duties and
area to be covered
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–40
Fire Boat Apparatus
• May be used for ice or water rescue, fire
fighting, or relaying water to land-based
apparatus
• May deliver as much as 26,000 gpm (98 420
L/min)
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–41
Fire Boat Apparatus
• Smaller boats are
propelled by water
jets or are amphibious
• Heavy duty boats are
powered by marinetype diesel engines
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–42
Reasons for Equipping Aerial
Apparatus with Fire Pumps
• The apparatus may be operated as a ladder
company, engine company, or both, providing
the fire department with more flexibility.
• The apparatus will be capable of supplying its
own elevated master stream.
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–43
Reasons for Equipping Aerial
Apparatus with Fire Pumps
• The apparatus may be used to extinguish
small fires encountered when an engine
company is not present.
• The apparatus may be used to protect itself in
high radiant-heat situations.
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–44
Aerial Apparatus
Equipped with Fire Pumps
• Will include various sizes of pumps
depending on the preference of the local
jurisdiction
• Must have a minimum pump capacity of 250
gpm (946 L/min)
– May specify smaller or larger pumps depending on
need
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–45
Aerial Apparatus
Equipped with Fire Pumps
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–46
Ladder Tenders
• Are smaller units used on incidents that do
not require full-size ladder trucks
• May be equipped with relatively small water
tanks, fire pumps, and booster hose that
allow them to handle small nuisance fires and
some vehicle fires
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–47
Ladder Tenders
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–48
Rescue Apparatus
Equipped with Fire Pumps
• Can handle small fires and provide protective
hoselines at incident scenes; do not have the
fire fighting capabilities of a full-sized fire
department pumper
• Generally have a pump with a rated capacity
of 500 gpm (2 000 L/min) or less
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–49
Rescue Apparatus
Equipped with Fire Pumps
• Usually carry 500 gallons (2 000 L) of water
or less
• May be equipped with foam proportioning
systems and a foam concentrate tank
• Commonly have the fire pump panel located
inside one of the compartments
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–50
Inverters
• Are used on pumpers when the local
jurisdiction determines that it is not necessary
for the pumper to be able to generate large
amounts of power
• Converts the vehicle’s 12- or 24-volt DC
current into 110- or 220-volt AC current
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–51
Inverters
• Are generally capable of providing
approximately 1,500 watts (1.5 kW) or more
of electric power
• Are most commonly used to power vehiclemounted floodlights
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–52
Inverters
• Advantages — Fuel efficiency and low or
nonexistent noise during operation
• Disadvantages — Small capacities and
limited mobility from the vehicle
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–53
Portable Generators
• Are the most common power source used for
emergency services
• Are powered by small gasoline or diesel
engines
• Generally have 110- and/or 220-volt
capacities
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–54
Portable Generators
• Can be operated in the compartment of the
apparatus, or can be carried to a remote
location
• Are designed to be carried by one or two
people
• Are designed with a variety of power
capabilities, with 5,000 watts (5 kW) of power
being the largest
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–55
Portable Generators
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–56
Vehicle-Mounted Generators
• Usually have a larger capacity than portable
units
• Provide power for portable equipment and for
the floodlighting system on the vehicle
• Can be powered by gasoline, diesel, or
propane engines or by hydraulic or power
take-off systems
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–57
Vehicle-Mounted Generators
• Usually have fixed floodlights wired directly to
the unit with outlets for other equipment
• Generally have 110- and 220-volt capabilities
• Pumpers commonly have capacities up to
12,000 watts (12 kW)
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–58
Vehicle-Mounted Generators
• Rescue vehicles may have capacities up to
50,000 watts (50 kW) or more
• Can be noisy
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–59
Portable Lights
• Are used where fixed lights are not able to
reach or when additional lighting is necessary
• Range from 300 to 1,000 watts (0.3 kW to 1
kW)
• May be supplied by a cord from the power
plant or may have a self-contained power unit
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–60
Portable Lights
• Usually have handles for safe carrying and
large bases for stable setting and placement
• Some are connected to telescoping stands
that eliminate the need for personnel to either
hold them or find something to set them on
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–61
Portable Lights
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–62
Fixed Lights
• Are mounted to the vehicle
• Provide overall lighting of the emergency
scene
• Are usually mounted to be raised, lowered, or
turned to provide the best possible lighting
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–63
Fixed Lights
• Are often mounted on telescoping poles that
allow movement
• May include electrically, pneumatically, or
hydraulically operated booms with a bank of
lights
• Range from 500 to 1,500 watts (0.5 kW to 1.5
kW) per light in the bank of lights
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–64
(Continued)
Fixed Lights
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–65
Electric Distribution Equipment
• Electrical cables or extension cords
– Are necessary to conduct electrical power to
portable equipment
– Are most often a 12-gauge, 3-wire type
– Must be adequately insulated, waterproof, and
have no exposed wires
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–66
Electric Distribution Equipment
• Junction boxes
– Used when multiple connections are needed
– Are supplied by one inlet from the power plant and
are fitted with several outlets
• Adapters
– For use where mutual aid departments frequently
work together and have different sizes or types of
connectors
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–67
Powered Hydraulic
Extrication Equipment
• Types
–
–
–
–
Spreaders
Shears
Combination spreader/shears
Extension rams
• Are used in most extrication situations due to
their wide range of uses, speed, and superior
power
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–68
Powered Hydraulic
Extrication Equipment
• Receive their power from
– Compressed air
– Electric motors
– Two- or four-cycle gas motors
– Apparatus-mounted power take-off
systems
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–69
Powered Hydraulic
Extrication Equipment
• May be portable and carried with the tool
• May be mounted on the vehicle and supply
the tool through long coiled hoses or a hose
reel line
Note: Most pumps cannot operate the tool at
full speed when hose length between the
pump and tool exceeds 100 feet (30 m)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–70
Summary
• Fire apparatus are classified according to the
functions for which they are designed.
• The minimum design specifications for most
pumping apparatus are contained in NFPA®
1901.
• Fire apparatus with water-pumping
capabilities range from relatively small initialattack and wildland apparatus to large
tandem-axle and tractor-drawn mobile water
supply vehicles.
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–71
Discussion Questions
1. What is the minimum pump capacity of a
fire department pumper?
2. What are four types of fire department
pumpers?
3. What are three characteristics of industrial
pumpers with foam capability?
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–72
Discussion Questions
4. What are two characteristics of municipal
pumpers with foam capability?
5. What are two characteristics of pumpers
with elevating water devices?
6. What are two types of initial attack fire
apparatus?
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–73
(Continued)
Discussion Questions
7. What variables determine the size of a
water tender’s tank?
8. What are two ways to “pump and roll”?
9. What wildland apparatus practice is strictly
prohibited by NFPA® 1500?
10. What are the three general classifications
(Continued)
of ARFF apparatus?
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–74
Discussion Questions
11. What are two reasons for equipping aerial
apparatus with fire pumps?
12. What are three types of electric power
generation equipment?
13. What are three types of powered hydraulic
extrication equipment?
Pumping Apparatus
Driver/Operator
2–75