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Water Tenders

Steward: Equipment Technology Committee

The NWCG categorizes information on fire apparatus into logical groups and provides common options often requested by fire managers. The Incident Command System (ICS) uses this system based on the equipment capability. The table below shows NWCG minimum performance requirements for water tenders. Additional information for required crew training and equipment recommendations can be found at the position catalog.

Water Tender Typing Standard

Requirements Support Type 1 Support Type 2 Support Type 3 Tactical Type 1 Tactical Type 2
Tank capacity (gal) 4,000 2,500 1,000 2,000 1,000
Pump minimum flow (gal/min) 300 200 200 250 250
At rated pressure (psi) 50 50 50 150 150
Maximum refill time (minutes) 30 20 15 N/A N/A
Pump and roll N/A N/A N/A Yes Yes
Personnel (minimum) 1 1 1 2 2
N/A = Not applicable

Notes:

  1. All types shall meet Federal, state, and agency requirements for motor vehicle safety standards, including all gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) when fully loaded.
  2. Type 3 engines and tactical water tenders shall be equipped with a foam proportioner system.
  3. All water tenders and engine Types 3 through 6 shall be able to prime and pump water from a 10-foot lift.
  4. Personnel shall meet the qualification requirements of NWCG’s NIMS Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1.

Common Additional Needs for Engines and Tenders (Request As Needed)

  • All-wheel drive (includes four-wheel drive)
  • High-pressure pump (250 psi at one-half flow of Type)
  • Foam proportioner
  • Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) 40 ft3/min minimum
  • Additional personnel

Need a heading for this part - Equipment examples? Equipment directory?  This information is from the Water Handling Equipment Guide, PMS 447-1

This section lists many of the different initial attack engines used in the United States and describes the wide variety of vehicle sizes, pump, and tank size configurations. The data displayed in this section are intended to assist individuals interested in outfitting an initial attack wildland engine. Some of the following engines could possibly be reclassified from one NWCG ICS type to another by changing the basic equipment compliment, personnel staffing, or level of training.

Tactical Water Tenders

Note:  Click the agency link for a further description. 

NWCG ICS Type Tank Capacity (gallons) Pump Rating (gal/min @150 psi) Pump Drive Equipment Designator Agency
1 2000-2800 500 PTO 668 Tactical Tender DOI-Bureau of Land Management
2 1500 300 PTO Model 22/24 USFS

Support Water Tenders

Note:  Click the agency link for a further description. 

NWCG ICS Type Tank Capacity (gallons) Pump Rating (gal/min @150 psi) Pump Drive Equipment Designator Agency
2 2500 500 PTO Support Water Tender Los Angeles County Fire Department
2 3000 1000 Mid Ship Water Tender 1293 Auburn City Fire Department
2 3000 - 3500 500 PTO 669 Water Tender DOI

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

NWCG Alerts

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51 and NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for EQTR, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Equipment Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51

NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53 and NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for PTRC, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Personnel Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53

NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53