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Do You Need a Wildland Fire Truck?
Are you worried about fire in forests, fields, or hills? Have you ever seen a big red truck race off the road to fight brush fires? Maybe you asked, “How does that fire truck go where most cars can’t?” I can help you learn!
Why Wildland Fire Trucks Matter
Wildland fire trucks are not like city fire engines. They work in wild places like forests, grasslands, and brush. Regular fire engines can be heavy and get stuck. Wildland engines must be light, tough and fast. These trucks help firefighters keep us safe. Without them, wildfires can burn houses and animals.
CLW GROUP knows people need special trucks. We understand your worry. We give you what you need to fight wildland fires. We build strong, smart trucks that win against tough fires.
What Is a Wildland Fire Truck?
Wildland fire trucks—sometimes called a brush truck, Type 3 engine, or Type 6 engine—go off-road. They drive on dirt, mud, hills, and rocks. Sometimes, water is far away. Wildland trucks carry their own water tank, fire pump, and tools. They can:
- Go where other trucks can’t.
- Spray water from moving trucks (pump and roll).
- Help with prescribed burn operations.
- Fight fire, save forests, and protect homes.
Kinds of Wildland Fire Trucks
Let’s look at some different wildland fire trucks. Each one helps in a special way.
Type 1 & Type 2 Engines
- Usually city engines, not for wild dirt roads.
- May help at edge of city (wildland urban interface).
Type 3 Engine
- Big wildland engine, often 4×4 or 6×6.
- Holds 500+ gallons water.
- Good for rough places.
- Used for initial attack, carries crew and equipment.
Type 4 & Type 5 Engine
- Medium size.
- Hold 400-500 gallons water.
- Very good off-road.
Type 6 Engine (Brush Truck)
- Smallest wildland truck, like a pickup.
- Holds 150-400 gallons water.
- Super fast and can get close to fire.
- Great for a small crew.
- Can do “pump and roll”—hit fires while driving.
Slip-On/Skid Unit
- Water tank and pump on a pickup or flatbed.
- Low cost, easy to change or move.
We build every type at CLW GROUP. You need the right tool. We make sure you get it.
Wildland Fire Truck Features
Take a look at what makes these trucks special:
- Chassis & Drivetrain: 4×4 or 6×6, strong for bumpy roads.
- Water Tank: Made strong with polypropylene or stainless steel.
- Fire Pump: Moves water fast, even when truck is driving. Some work with PTO, some with extra engine (auxiliary engine fire truck).
- Fire Hose: Forestry lay flat type, hose reels for speed.
- Foam System: Adds foam to make water go farther (CAFS).
- Water Supply: Can use onboard water, or “draft” from ponds, creeks, or with help from a water tender.
- Safety Features: Roll cages, crew cab, PPE, fire shelter, GPS, good radios.
- Equipment Storage: Big compartments for hose, tools, gear, and medical kit.
Key Parts Table
| Part | What It Does | Type 3 Example | Type 6 Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Tank | Holds water | 500+ gal | 150-400 gal |
| Fire Pump | Moves water to fire hose | High GPM | Quick start |
| Drivetrain | 4×4, 6×6 for tough roads | Yes | Yes |
| Foam System | Makes water better | Yes | Yes (some) |
| Crew Cab | Holds firefighters | 4–6 people | 2–4 people |
How to Use a Wildland Fire Truck
Initial Attack
The first trucks to reach a wildfire are often Type 6 engines or brush trucks. They move fast and spray water from rolling trucks. This is called pump and roll. Firefighters pull hose lines, lay them on the ground (hose lays), and start to put out fire.
Drafting for Water
Some trucks suck water from ponds or streams. This is called drafting. They use hard suction hose and special pumps.
Water Conservation
Water is precious in wildland fires. Tough nozzles and foam help water last longer and work better.
Mop-Up Operations
After the flames are out, the truck helps cool hot spots. Firefighters use water, shovels, and even drip torches.
Structure Protection
When fire is close to homes, wildland engines fight to keep the fire away. They set up hose lines and spray water on buildings.
Wildland Fire Truck Equipment List
- Hoses (different sizes)
- Nozzles (fog, straight stream)
- Hand Tools (shovels, pulaskis, fire rake)
- Chainsaws
- Drip Torches
- Drafting Equipment
- Radios
- GPS/Mapping
- Medical Kit
- Fire Shelter for every firefighter
CLW trucks carry all of these. We make safe places for every tool.
Training and Maintenance Are Important
- Training: All drivers and crew must know how to use the truck. They take classes like S-130/S-190 and more.
- Maintenance: Check oil, tires, pump, hose all the time. We give after-sales help and service.
- Season Prep: In winter, trucks need special care. We show you how.
Why Choose CLW GROUP?
Are you ready to protect your team and fight wildland fires? CLW GROUP gives you the best wildland trucks—built tough, smart, and safe. We also make many other special trucks for every need. You get:
- Customized production for YOUR fire needs.
- Fast delivery to your site.
- Expert consulting so you pick the right truck.
- Strong after-sales service—we never leave you in the smoke!
Look at our wide choice of water tank trucks for clean water anywhere. Or see our tough material handling cranes for moving heavy loads at fire camps and staging areas. Want a truck for special loads? See our aluminum truck flatbeds for extra working space.
Let’s Be Safe Together
Wildland fire trucks are heroes on wheels. They help fire crews, forests, and families. Let CLW GROUP build your next hero truck. We help you win the fight—one fire at a time.
References
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1906)
- US Forest Service, Cal Fire Reports
- NWCG S-130, S-190 Wildland Fire Training Guides
- CLW GROUP Manufacturing Data
Stay safe. Call us for the wildland fire engine that fits your needs!
Contact CLW GROUP now for your next wildland fire solution.
