In many regions of North America, the concept of a distinct wildland fire season has become a thing of the past.

What was once a seasonal occurrence has transformed into a year-round reality. This change poses significant challenges to firefighting efforts. In response, there has been a significant increase in the demand for specialized wildland fire trucks, designed to tackle these intense and unpredictable blazes.

In this blog, we will explore the critical role which wildland fire trucks play in combating fires, and take a look at how one fire department designed a truck with unique capabilities to meet the changing demands of wildland firefighting.

A Modern Wildland Fire Engine

Type 1 Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) vehicles are becoming the standard for enhanced wildland firefighting operations. Often considered the “Swiss Army knife” of the roadway, these engines boast several key features:

• Compact overall length and wheelbase. Type 1 WUI Engines intended for wildland applications are designed with a compact, short wheelbase for enhanced maneuverability.
• High ground clearance. Unlike their municipal counterparts, Type 1 WUI Engines are built with higher ground clearance to ensure they can safely traverse off-road environments. Increased ground clearance also improves approach and department angles.
• Full pumping capabilities. A Type 1 WUI Engine is required to have a pump with a minimum tank size of 300 gallons, although most trucks feature a 400- to 500-gallon water tank. Additionally, the truck must offer a minimum of 1,000 gpm of water transfer providing full pumping capabilities.
• Foam systems. The majority of wildland apparatus are outfitted with foam systems to help manage wildland and combustible material fires.
• Optimized storage capabilities. Wildland fire engines can encounter many hazards on the job and are outfitted accordingly. With strategic compartmentation and optimized storage, wildland fire trucks hold a full complement of loose equipment and additional tools based on the specific areas of service.

Type 1 WUI Engines are versatile and robust vehicles which are essential for modern firefighting, ensuring crews are well-equipped to handle the diverse challenges presented by wildland fires.

Learn more about the emerging technology in wildland fire operations in our blog here.

Graton Volunteer Fire Department Pumper

The Graton Volunteer Fire Department in Sebastopol, California, recently took delivery of a Type 1 Wildland Urban Interface Engine to support community and wildland firefighting needs. The volunteer department is located in West Sonoma County and responds to more than 800 calls a year covering over 26 square miles. From medical aid and traffic collisions, to structure fires, hazardous material incidents and wildland fire management, the department requires a robust engine capable of storing tools and equipment to match its diverse emergency response requirements.

The Graton team trusted Pierce Manufacturing to support their apparatus needs. Here are some of the key features of the truck:

Auxiliary Pump System for Enhanced Pump and Roll Capabilities

The patented hydraulically driven auxiliary pump offers departments robust capabilities with superior functionality over a traditional diesel pump.

• Pump and roll capabilities. The auxiliary pump makes it possible for the apparatus to remain in motion while simultaneously providing suppression action on the fire.
• Takes up less space. One of the key advantages of the auxiliary pump system is its compact design. The patented pump design takes up less space on the chassis than traditional diesel pumps, allowing for additional compartment and storage space.
• Less motor maintenance. Unlike other apparatus, which require a separate motor from the chassis to run the pump, this system integrates seamlessly with the vehicle's existing motor, eliminating the need for an additional motor and reducing maintenance requirements. 

Incorporating the patented hydraulically driven auxiliary pump system not only enhances fire suppression capabilities but also optimizes vehicle space and reduces maintenance needs, making it an invaluable asset for modern firefighting operations.

Neighboring Sonoma County Fire District also recently took delivery of a similar WUI pumper with a hydraulically driven auxiliary pump system. The unit was designed with several unique features, including a compact engine, a shorter overall length and an increased suspension height to best maneuver narrow steep roads.

Unique Ladder Rack Configuration

Every apparatus is unique and Pierce Manufacturing works with customers to develop configurations and features to meet their equipment needs.

For Graton, it was important for the apparatus to have a shorter wheelbase and a low clearance to operate effectively in the local community. To meet these needs, Pierce’s body engineers designed a body with a notched-out ladder rack above the hosebed. Instead of the ladder sitting above the body, the team of engineers created a space for the ladder so the overall truck height would not be affected by the ladder placement.

Additionally, the ladder rack arms are placed on the front and rear of the body, not in the middle, so they do not take away any compartment storage space.

Take a look at another blog highlighting unique wildland truck features: Wildland Urban Interface Fire Trucks: 11 Key Design Features

Drip Torch with Diesel and Gas

In some circumstances, firefighters use fire to fight fire. In these controlled and heavily managed burn scenarios, firefighters use a drip torch with diesel and gas to burn fuels near an existing wildfire to help prevent fire advancement.

The Graton unit features a special bracket on the side of the apparatus to accommodate a drip torch for ease of access and strategic use in the wildland environment.

Enhanced Warning Light System with Rock Lights

In a wildfire environment, visibility is critical. With smoke and flames to contend with, fire apparatus must be highly visible to aid firefighters as they conduct fireground operations. The Graton pumper is equipped with a robust scene and warning light package, specifically focused on enhancing nighttime operations.

The truck also includes rock lights mounted to the rear fender wheel wells. Rock lighting on fire apparatus enhances visibility and overall safety as operators can effectively monitor the road’s edge in relation to the tires.

Often seen in the competitive off-road racing environment, rock lights are designed to downcast light over the rear tires so operators can use the rearview mirrors to see tire placement during travel. Additionally, the rock lights project light to the sides of the body, further enhancing visibility at night.

What types of trucks are best suited to meet rural fire department needs? We review the challenges and unique feature solutions in this blog post: Fire Trucks and Features That Best Serve Rural Markets

Independent Front Suspension System

Independent front suspension (IFS), such as Pierce Manufacturing's TAK-4® system on the Graton apparatus, offers several significant benefits for fire apparatus.

• Improved ride quality and vehicle control. The independent suspension system allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently, which ensures better handling and a smoother ride over any surface, reducing stress on both the vehicle and occupants. This is particularly beneficial when fire trucks need to traverse rough terrain quickly and safely. 
• Enhanced maneuverability. With up to a 45-degree cramp angle, fire trucks equipped with TAK-4 independent front suspension systems can navigate tight turns more effectively. Additionally, the system accommodates larger front brakes, improving braking performance and reducing stopping distances, thereby enhancing overall safety.
• Compact design, increased load-carrying capacity. The compact design of the TAK-4 IFS also contributes to increased load-carrying capacity without exceeding vehicle weight restrictions. This allows fire departments to add more equipment and features to their trucks, enhancing operational capabilities.
• Adjustability and increasing ground clearances. The adjustable TAK-4 system allows departments to increase both ground clearance and approach angle, resulting in superior maneuverability.

With its many attributes, the TAK-4® independent front suspension system is a critical advancement for modern fire apparatus, ensuring trucks are better equipped to handle the demands of emergency response.

Enhanced Foam System

The Graton pumper is equipped with a Pierce Husky™ 12 foam system. One of the foam systems primary benefits is its ability to pump both Class A and Class B foams, including high-viscosity, alcohol-resistant foam. This versatility ensures firefighters can effectively tackle different types of fires, from structural and wildland blazes to automobile fires and medium class B spills.

In the wildland environment, the Class A features of the Husky 12 system allow for multiple lines to be foam capable during fireground operations.

Another significant advantage of the Husky 12 is its efficiency and low electrical load. The system is hydraulically driven, which keeps the amp draw on the chassis electrical system to less than 5 amps, allowing more power for other crucial truck components and tools.

The foam system features a single-point, direct injection, flow-based system which uses advanced digital technology to monitor pump position and flow rate accurately. This ensures precise foam application, improving the effectiveness of fire suppression efforts.

Overall, the Husky 12 foam system combines versatility, efficiency and user-friendly operation, making it an excellent choice for modern fire suppression needs​.

Learn more about foam systems in our blog post: Fire-Fighting Foam: What It Is and Why Fire Departments Need It

Multiplex Electrical System

The Pierce Command Zone™ is a key element of the Graton truck, but beyond its performance, safety and maintenance benefits—it also weighs less.

• Less weight. When fire departments choose Command Zone, it comes with several hundred pounds of weight savings with less physical wiring required on board.
• Enhanced diagnostics and prognostics. The Command Zone system provides real-time data and diagnostic information through a full-color touchscreen monitor. This allows for quick initial diagnostics and continuous monitoring of vehicle systems.
• Wi-Fi connectivity. The system acts as a mobile Wi-Fi network, allowing for data sharing and remote access to vehicle information from smartphones or tablets. This feature is particularly useful for officers and scene commanders who need to monitor and control various vehicle functions remotely.
• Integrated GPS and telematics. The system includes built-in GPS for seamless navigation to emergency scenes and integrated telematics for detailed vehicle performance data. This helps improve wildland situational awareness and operational efficiency.
• Maintenance and troubleshooting. The system logs vehicle faults and maintenance reminders, which can be accessed remotely. This ensures timely maintenance and reduces vehicle downtime, contributing to better fleet management. 

The Pierce Command Zone system represents a significant advancement in fire apparatus technology, providing comprehensive control, diagnostics and connectivity to improve fire department operations​. 

As wildfires become a constant threat rather than a seasonal hazard, the need for specialized wildland fire trucks has never been more critical. This case study highlights how innovative design and strategic planning are essential in equipping fire departments to meet these evolving challenges. If you’re interested in learning more about a wildland fire apparatus, please contact your local dealer.

How do you think advancements in fire truck design will continue to shape the future of wildfire management?

 Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments!