200 Gallon Fire Skid
Fire Skids & Suppression Units
200 Gallon Fire Control Skid
When a fire breaks out where a brush truck can't reach, a fire skid gets water on it. Drop one into a pickup or UTV bed and the truck becomes a mobile attack unit, ready to roll. Each fire suppression skid carries an algae-resistant poly tank, an engine-driven pump, a hose reel, and fittings on one bolt-in frame. That lets a single crew hit grass, brush, and spot fires before they spread. Sizes start at 200 gallons for half-ton and three-quarter-ton beds and step up to 300 and 500 gallon skids for heavier rigs. Need a compact UTV fire skid or a high-capacity slip-on fire unit? Compare the lineup below.
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What Is A Fire Skid?
A fire skid is a self-contained, slip-on suppression unit that drops into a pickup bed or UTV without a trailer. It pairs an algae-resistant poly tank with an engine-driven centrifugal pump and a hose reel on a single channel iron frame, so one operator can carry water or mixed retardant directly to a grass, brush, or spot fire that a full engine cannot reach. The whole unit bolts in for the season and comes back out when the work is done. Here is how the parts work together:
- 1CarryThe poly tank holds water or mixed fire retardant on board, ready to move the moment a call comes in.
- 2PressurizeAn engine-driven centrifugal pump pulls from the tank and brings the line up to working pressure.
- 3DeployA 180° swivel reel and flat fire hose feed the attack line and reposition fast around the truck.
- 4RefillQuick-fill and recirculation ports top off from a pond or storage tank and keep retardant mixed.
Fire Skid Specifications And Options
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Configuration | 200 Gallons |
| Tank | 200 Gallon Black Algae-Resistant Poly PCO Tank with Quick Fill Port and Recirculation |
| Dimensions (200-Gallon) | 40” W x 44” H |
| Total Length (200-Gallon) | 80” |
| Weight (200-Gallon) | 550 lbs. |
| Skid Frame | 6” Channel Iron |
| Fill Hose | 2” Suction Hose and Strainer |
| Spray Hose | 25’ x 1½” Flat Fire Hose and Nozzle; 50’ x 1” Fire Hose on 180° Swivel Reel |
| Fixtures | Pressure and Gravity Hose Bibs; Quick-Couple Discharge; Galvanized Manifolds |
| Engine | 4 hp Honda Engine |
| Pump | Ace Centrifugal |
| Spray Bar Options | 8’ spray bar with 20’ coverage (brass nozzles, galvanized manifold); 8’ spray bar with 11’ coverage (brass nozzles, poly tees, galvanized nipples) |
| Additional Options | Electric cab on/off control; sight gauge for black tank; anti-siphon fill kit; tailgate lock kit; tail light kit; plastic toolbox kit; side spray kit |
Features That Earn Their Keep In The Field
- Algae-Resistant Poly TankHolds water or mixed fire retardant cleanly and resists buildup through seasons of outdoor storage.
- Engine-Driven Centrifugal PumpMoves water at working pressure so a single operator can push an attack line onto grass and brush.
- 6” Channel Iron Skid FrameBolts straight into a truck bed or UTV with no trailer required, then comes back out when the season ends.
- 180° Swivel Hose ReelRepositions the attack line around the truck fast instead of dragging and re-coiling hose.
- Quick-Fill And Recirculation PortsRefill from a pond or storage tank and keep retardant mixed between passes.
- 200, 300, And 500 Gallon OptionsMatch on-board supply to the chassis you have and the run time the job needs.
Fire Skid Applications And Use Cases
A fire skid is built for fast-moving crews where access is limited and speed matters. It is especially useful in rural, agricultural, and off-grid areas that full-size engines cannot reach. Crews put it to work in a handful of recurring ways:
- Grass And Brush Fire Response. Knock down fast-moving grass and brush fires in rural areas before they spread.
- Wildland And Forestry Suppression. Reach fire on terrain and back roads that engines cannot access.
- Farm And Agricultural Fire Safety. Protect barns, fencing, and fields with water staged where the work is.
- Urban-Wildland Interface Defense. Pre-wet and defend property along the line where development meets open land.
- Controlled Burns And Fire Breaks. Support planned burns and lay down wet lines to hold a break.
- Construction Site Fire Protection. Keep an on-site reserve during phases without hydrant access.
- Backup Emergency Water. A mobile reserve for crews and communities when supply is limited.
- Campground And Recreation Safety. Standby suppression for parks, campgrounds, and recreational sites.
How To Choose A Fire Skid
Picking a fire skid comes down to three things: how much water you can carry, what you will mount it on, and how you will run the line.
- Match Capacity To Chassis. The 200 gallon unit fits most half-ton and three-quarter-ton pickup beds and many UTVs. The 300 gallon needs a 1-ton or larger truck, and the 500 gallon suits the largest chassis for the longest continuous operation.
- Confirm The Fit. Every unit bolts in through a 6” channel iron frame with no trailer required. The 200-gallon footprint is about 80” long and roughly 550 lbs, so check your bed length and payload first.
- Plan The Water Source. Quick-fill and recirculation ports let a UTV fire skid or slip-on fire unit refill from a pond or a stored supply, so pair the skid with reliable fire protection water tanks when you need a static reserve on site.
- Choose Spray Options. Add an 8’ spray bar for 11’ or 20’ of coverage when you are pre-wetting or running fire breaks, or run the swivel reel for direct attack.
- Decide Attack Versus Prevention. The same fire suppression skid handles spot-fire attack and pre-wetting, so settle on your primary role before you spec nozzles and bibs.
Standards And Compliance
Fire apparatus requirements vary by jurisdiction, and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) sets what a slip-on or skid unit must meet in your area. Use the references below as a starting point for the questions to bring to your AHJ, then confirm the exact configuration and any required certification with a Sales Specialist before you order.
- Wildland And Skid Apparatus. Departments running slip-on and skid units often reference NFPA standards for wildland and initial-attack apparatus when specifying pump, tank, and hose setups. Confirm which edition and requirements apply to your unit.
- Static Fire Reserve. Where a fire skid is paired with an on-site reserve, the matching fire protection water tanks may fall under separate standards for private fire-protection water supply. Spec the tank to the requirement, not the other way around.
- Tank Construction. The skid tank is an algae-resistant poly PCO tank built for water and mixed fire retardant. If your application requires a specific resin, rating, or certification, confirm it for the exact size before ordering.
- Verify Before You Buy. Compliance depends on your chassis, your configuration, and your AHJ. A Sales Specialist can confirm what your unit does and does not meet so there are no surprises at inspection.
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Fire Protection Water Tank Sizing Calculator
Not sure how much water your site needs? Walk through capacity planning before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Fire Skid Used For?
A fire skid is a self-contained, slip-on suppression unit that mounts in a pickup bed or UTV to fight grass, brush, and spot fires in remote or rural areas where full fire engines cannot reach. Crews also use it for controlled burns, fire breaks, pre-wetting, and standby water on sites without hydrant access.
How Much Does A Fire Skid Cost?
Price depends on capacity, pump and spray configuration, and the options you add, such as a spray bar, electric cab control, or a tool box kit. Because each build is configured to the chassis and the job, the most accurate way to price one is to request a quote and a Sales Specialist will confirm the current cost for your setup.
Will A Skid Fit My UTV Or Truck Bed?
The 200-gallon unit is about 80” long, 40” wide, and 44” high at roughly 550 lbs, and it fits most half-ton and three-quarter-ton pickup beds and many UTVs. It bolts in through a 6” channel iron frame with no trailer required. The 300-gallon needs a 1-ton or larger chassis, and the 500-gallon suits the largest trucks. Check your bed length and payload before you order.
What Pump Options Are Available?
The standard configuration runs a centrifugal pump driven by a 4 hp engine, fed by a 2” suction hose and strainer, with pressure and gravity hose bibs and a quick-couple discharge. Add an 8’ spray bar for 11’ or 20’ of coverage, or run the 180° swivel reel for direct attack. Confirm the current pump, flow, and pressure for your unit with a Sales Specialist.
Can A Fire Skid Run Foam Or Fire Retardant?
The poly tank is built to hold water or mixed fire retardant, and the recirculation port keeps the mix consistent between passes. If you plan to run a specific foam or retardant, confirm compatibility for your configuration with a Sales Specialist before your first fill.
How Do I Refill A Fire Skid In The Field?
The quick-fill port and 2” suction hose and strainer let the unit draft from a pond, creek, or a stored supply, so crews can top off without returning to a hydrant. Refill speed depends on your water source and lift. Pairing the skid with an on-site reserve keeps a static supply staged where the work is.
How Does A Fire Skid Mount And Secure?
Every unit bolts into the bed through a 6” channel iron frame with no trailer required, so it sits low and stays put under load. It is built to come back out at the end of the season. Confirm tie-down points and payload for your specific truck or UTV before installing.
How Should I Store A Fire Skid In The Off-Season?
Because the skid is bolt-in, most crews remove it from the bed and store the unit dry. Drain the tank, pump, and lines before storage to protect the equipment, especially ahead of freezing weather. A Sales Specialist can walk through winterizing steps for your configuration.
