When a fire breaks out, you need to be able to quickly get water into the fire. A portable fire pump helps you do that. These pumps help increase the pressure of your fire hoses so you can get water into the building or space to put out the fire.
Fire fighting pumps work by taking water from a source like a lake, river or even pond and increasing the water pressure in your fire hoses. There are many different types of pumps to choose from depending on your needs including the amount of pressure needed, nozzles you want to use and how much water volume you need.
Each pump has an engine that can either be gasoline or diesel. They also come in a variety of sizes and horsepower, although the most commonly used is the 18 HP model. Some of these pumps also have the option to be manually started with recoil, rotary vane or exhaust priming depending on your preference.
The selection of the fire pump you need is determined by your department’s specific needs. This may include the potential fire hazard, water supply accessibility and the ability of your department to utilize the pumps you purchase. It is important to choose the right pump for your situation so you can have a reliable, functioning device in place when the fire hits.
Lightweight category pumps are a popular choice for smoke jumpers, interagency hot shot crews and forest, home or cottage protection. These units are compact, easy to start and have low maintenance requirements. They also offer excellent power-to-weight ratios and are designed to be operated directly from a trailer.
Class III pumps offer higher pressure and flows than those in the lightweight category. They are able to deliver 125 gpm at 60 psi net pump pressure with a 2 1/2-inch discharge and suction inlet. They can also be supplied with a 60-gpm fog nozzle at 250 feet of 1 3/4-inch line.
These pumps are the most commonly used on wildland firefighting operations. They are powered by a single stage high-speed impeller drive with an automatic self-adjusting, low-maintenance gearbox to provide maximum performance and reliability. The engine is cooled by air to help reduce the risk of fire and meets NFPA specifications for exhaust emissions and noise levels. portable fire pump