Fire Truck Water Storage: How Much Can It Hold?

Most standard fire water trucks can hold between 2,000 and 6,000 gallons of water. Larger construction models of water tanker trucks can hold up to 20,000 gallons.

What Are Water Tanker Trucks Used For?

Water trucks are commonly used in

• Agricultural Watering
• Firefighting Support
• Construction and Dust Control
• Disaster Relief
• Street and Equipment Cleaning

Water Capacity of Different Fire Trucks

Fire trucks come in various sizes, and the water capacity differs depending on the type of truck.

Fire Truck Types	Water Capacity (in gallons)	Crew Size	Capabilities
Urban Fire Truck	500 to 1,500	Up to 6 firefighters	Structure firefighting, urban rescue operations, high-pressure water delivery
Suburban Fire Truck	500 to 1,200	3 to 4 firefighters	Smaller-scale firefighting, suburban and rural response
Wildland Fire Truck	500 to 1,000	3 to 5 firefighters	Wildland firefighting, off-road mobility, small water supply for remote areas
Tanker Truck	1,000 to 2,500	2 to 3 firefighters	Water transport, rural firefighting, providing water supply for other fire engines

What Impacts How Much Water a Fire Water Truck Holds

Truck Size and Design

Larger trucks are built to carry more water, while smaller trucks may have limited capacity.

Chassis Strength

As the water volume increases, the truck’s chassis needs to be robust enough to handle the load. A stronger chassis allows for larger tanks and higher water capacity.

Auxiliary Equipment

Specialized firefighting equipment such as hoses, ladders, and rescue tools compromise the truck’s overall capacity for carrying water.

Tank Material

The material used to construct the water tank affects its durability, weight, and size.

• lighter materials like aluminum or composite: allow the truck to carry more water without exceeding weight limits.
• heavier tank materials: reduce the overall water capacity due to weight constraints.

Foam System Configuration

Foam systems mix water with fire retardant to create foam to demolish certain types of fires.
e.g. chemical or oil fires

As part of the truck’s storage is dedicated to the foam tanks and the mixing system, the water storing space is reduced.

Tank Shape

Some tanks are more compact or shaped to fit specific truck designs. This becomes a reason to limit water storage.

How to Choose the Right Water Tanker Size?

1. Purpose of the Water Tanker

Select based on the primary function of the tire tanker you need. It can be for rural firefighting, irrigation or watering livestock, construction and dust control.

2. Budget and Operational Costs

• Larger Tankers: The cost is high as it’s efficiency is larger. Operational costs are also high.
• Smaller Tankers: Low operational costs, but requires more refills if water requirement is high, which can increase fuel expenses.

3. Water Capacity

• Low Demand: For small farms or small construction sites, a 1,000 to 2,000-gallon tanker is the right choice.
• High Demand: For agricultural or emergency water supply needs, 3,000 to 5,000 gallons are required.

4. Assess the Terrain

Some areas have regulations such as road size limitations, weight limits and safety requirements based on road conditions.

If you’re working on bad road or hard access areas, get a durable truck that can handle the terrain. For standard roads, you can use a regular fire water tanker.

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1. How much water can a typical fire truck hold?

Most fire trucks carry between 500 to 1,500 gallons of water. The exact amount depends on the size and type of the truck.

2. Do all fire trucks have the same water capacity?

No, different fire trucks have varying water capacities. Smaller trucks may carry as little as 500 gallons, while larger trucks can hold up to 3,000 gallons or more.

3. How is the water capacity of a fire truck determined?

The water capacity is determined by the size of the truck, its design, and the purpose it serves. Larger trucks designed for rural areas usually carry more water since access to hydrants may be limited.

4. Can a fire truck still function if its water tank is empty?

Yes, fire trucks can connect to nearby fire hydrants or water sources to maintain a continuous supply of water, even if their onboard tank is empty.

5. Does a fire truck always rely on its onboard water tank?

No, many fire trucks use their onboard tank as a temporary water source until they can connect to a fire hydrant or other water supply to maintain an ongoing water flow during firefighting.