Choosing Portable Pumps For Fire Fighting

Often the only way to keep fires from spreading while waiting for firefighters to arrive is by fighting them with water. That’s why having a good quality portable pump for fire fighting is so important.

Choosing the right fire fighting pump depends on your department’s particular needs, including the potential fire hazard and available water supplies. The type of fluid you’re pumping also matters. Some pumps can handle solids and sewage, while others are more suited to chemical or corrosive substances. Pump size and maximum head are also significant factors when selecting the perfect pump for your department.

The most popular firefighting pumps feature an engine driven pump with a diesel or gasoline motor and either single or twin impellers. Some models are even self-priming, which saves time and effort when setting up and operating the pump. These portable fire fighting pumps are usually centrifugal pumps with 4-cycle engines, although 2-cycle or newer turbine pumps can be used too. They can be prepped for belt driven, gearbox driven or hydraulic drive setups and are built with only the best components to ensure high performance, durability, reliability and longevity.

When selecting a portable pump, it’s important to look at the maximum head and GPM (gallons per minute) ratings to determine how powerful it is. Maximum head refers to how far the pump can push water out of its nozzle at high pressure, while GPM refers to the amount of water it can pump out in one minute. It’s also a good idea to think about the inlet and discharge port sizes as they’ll play an important role in determining how fast your pump can pull water from a source, as well as how much force it can put on water at the nozzle.

For example, if you’re buying a firefighting pump for home use, you might need a large enough inlet valve to draw water from a lake or reservoir while ensuring you don’t lose power when spraying water at high pressure. You’ll also want a discharge port with a diameter that matches the size of your existing hose.

If you’re looking for a portable fire fighting pump that can do it all, the WATERAX MINI-STRIKER is an excellent choice. It pairs a powerful Honda engine with a reliable centrifugal pump to achieve high maximum heads and GPM. The lightweight design lets you mount it to a skid deck and convert your pickup truck into a fire truck, while still leaving room for other equipment, personnel and water. And with four different MINI-STRIKER configurations, you’re sure to find the perfect pump for your needs.portable pumps for fire fighting