Fire Suppression Equipment

Tractor-Plow Unit

Tractor - Plow Unit

  • Suppresses wildland fires in Wisconsin, especially larger fires or smaller intense fires with poor road access
  • Back mounted plow creates a mineral soil firebreak (or furrow) 6-feet wide and is intended to contain a wildfire and prevent disasters
  • The six-way front blade buries burning debris, separates burn piles, constructs roads, and creates firelines
  • Carries 150 gallons of water for protection of the operator and mop-up activities to make sure the fire is completely out
  • The tractor is also equipped with two fire shelters and a shower system where water is dispensed through overhead nozzles- both used for operator protection

Type 4 Engine (3-Ton)

Type 4 Engine (3 Ton)

  • Suppresses wildland fires in Wisconsin where road access is poor and the tractor plow unit is needed
  • Hauls the tractor-plow unit on a tilt bed trailer
  • Carries 850 gallons of water
  • Uses a pump to apply and draft water from other various sources (i.e. lakes, rivers, and swimming pools)
  • Has class A foam capability, which prevents water from evaporating quickly and is used for structural protection
  • The engine is equipped with mobile radio for communications and is outfitted with handtools and backcans for a 20-person handcrew

Type 7 Engine (4X4)

Type 7 Engine

  • Patrols and is responsible for initial attack suppression of wildland fires in Wisconsin.
  • Primary source of transportation for Forester and Forester Rangers
  • Has 4-wheel drive capabilities for off-road use
  • Has 150 gallon tank capacity and has the ability to pump, draft, and apply water or foam from a gas powered pump mounted near the rear of the slip-on
  • Has handtools and backcans to outfit a 6-person handcrew and is equipped with mobile radio for communicating with dispatch centers and other vehicles

Marsh Rig- Muskeg Low Ground Unit

Low Tractor

  • Fights wildland fires in wet-ground situations and extracts other stuck firefighting vehicles
  • Outfitted with 260 gallon water tank, pump, hosereel, winch and class A foam system
  • Has powerful 3-speed transmission and 4-cylinder diesel engine and tops out at 16 mph
  • The tracks supporting the rig are constructed of rubber with steel cross links for grip and durability
  • Rides up to four firefighters safely in the partitioned area between the air-conditioned cab and water tank

Single Engine Air Tanker (S.E.A.T.)

Single Engine Air Tanker

  • Fights wildland fires from the air and slows the fire until ground units arrive on scene
  • Holds one passenger along with its 550 gallons of foam, water, or retardant
  • Can drop its water mixture to cover 100 feet wide by 400 feet long
  • Tops out at 120 mph with is 58-foot wingspan
  • DNR contracts out for SEATs in the spring through private companies. SEAT's are pre-positioned according to fire severity

Helicopter with Water Bucket

Helicopterd Picture

  • Fights wildland fires from the air and slows the fire until ground units arrive on scene
  • Holds 120 gallons of water in its hanging bucket
  • The bucket scoops the water from nearby lakes and other water sources
  • DNR contracts out for helicopters in the spring through private companies. Helicopters are pre-positioned according to fire severity

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Last Revised: Monday July 30 2007