Wildland CET Econo Pac Bush Buggy Package -

Wildland CET Econo Pac Bush Buggy Package – Lightweight, Efficient, and Ready for Rapid Response 🚒

The CET Econo Pac Bush Buggy Package is a compact, drop-in skid unit designed for wildland and urban interface firefighting. This all-in-one assembly combines a 65-gallon baffled water tank, a high-pressure portable fire pump, and a live hose reel—making it an ideal fit for small trucks, trailers, or utility vehicles where agility and speed matter most[1][2].

Key Features:

• Portable Drop-In Design:
  • The entire unit is preassembled on a durable 3/4” polypropylene platform with under-lifting area for easy installation and removal.
  • Fits most pickup beds, trailers, or UTVs—perfect for municipal, industrial, or forestry use[1][2].
• Pump & Engine:
  • 6.5hp Honda GX200 Engine (manual start) powers a CET high-pressure, self-priming fire pump.
  • Pump Performance:
    • Max Flow: 75 GPM @ 10 PSI
    • 65 GPM @ 50 PSI
    • 45 GPM @ 100 PSI
    • 35 GPM @ 125 PSI
    • Max Pressure: 140 PSI
    • Standard operational flow: 20 GPM @ 125 PSI[1][2].
• Water Tank:
  • 65-gallon capacity, fully baffled to minimize water slosh and improve vehicle stability.
  • Tank fill and recirculating valves for fast refills and pump cooling[1][2].
• Hose and Reel:
  • Manual rewind hose reel with 50’ x 3/4” booster hose for quick deployment.
  • Forestry nozzle included for versatile firefighting applications.
• Plumbing & Controls:
  • 1.5” inlet and outlet with caps and chains.
  • 1” valve for hose reel, 1” valve for tank fill/recirculation.
  • Manifold outlet for flexible hose setup.
  • Pump control panel for easy monitoring and operation.
• Lightweight Construction:
  • Dry Weight: ~250 lbs; Wet Weight: ~750 lbs (with full tank)[1][2].
  • Easy to move and install by two people.

Actionable Tips:

• Pre-Deployment:
  • Check fuel and water levels, and ensure the hose and connections are free of leaks and blockages before every run.
  • Practice mounting and dismounting the unit for rapid deployment in the field.
• Operation:
  • Use the booster hose for direct attack, mop-up, or exposure protection.
  • Use the recirculation valve to keep the pump cool if not actively flowing water.
• Maintenance:
  • Drain and clean the tank regularly to avoid sediment buildup.
  • Inspect and lubricate the hose reel and pump as per manufacturer recommendations.

Alternative Perspectives:

• For Larger Incidents: Consider a larger tank or foam system if you regularly respond to extended wildland fires or interface incidents.
• Foam System Add-On: While the standard Econo Pac is water-only, a compressed air foam system (CAFS) or around-the-pump foam system can often be added as an upgrade for improved suppression and efficiency.

Quick-Start Deployment Guide for the Econo Pac Bush Buggy Package 🚒

Preparation:

1. Inspect the Unit:
   • Check fuel and water levels and inspect the hoses, connections, and pump for any signs of wear or damage.
   • Ensure the manual rewind hose reel is operational and the forestry nozzle is securely attached.
2. Safety Check:
   • Confirm all operators are equipped with appropriate PPE.
   • Review the control panel layout and familiarize yourself with the engine start and stop procedures.

Setup:

1. Position the Unit:
   • Secure the skid unit onto the truck bed or trailer, ensuring it is stable and properly fastened.
   • Ensure the lifting area is clear and accessible for any repositioning needs.
2. Connect Hoses:
   • Attach the booster hose to the reel and connect any additional hoses to the manifold outlets as needed.
3. Prepare the Pump:
   • Prime the pump manually if necessary, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Operation:

1. Start the Engine:
   • Engage the choke if necessary and pull the starter cord on the Honda GX200 engine.
   • Allow the engine to warm up before engaging the pump.
2. Engage the Pump:
   • Open the appropriate valves for the tank-to-pump and hose reel, and monitor the pressure gauge to achieve the desired flow rate (20 GPM @ 125 PSI is standard for many applications).
3. Deploy Hose and Apply Water:
   • Use the manual rewind feature to deploy the hose, directing the nozzle as needed for effective fire suppression.

Post-Operation:

1. Shutdown:
   • Close the valves and throttle back the engine before turning it off.
   • Use the manual rewind to retrieve the hose.
2. Maintenance:
   • Drain any remaining water from the tank and hoses.
   • Clean the pump and hose reel, and perform regular maintenance checks to ensure ongoing reliability.

Comparison with Larger or Foam-Equipped Packages:

Larger Bush Buggy Packages:

• Pros:
  • Greater water capacity (up to 500 gallons) for extended operations.
  • More powerful pumps for higher flow rates and pressure.
  • Often include electric hose reels for faster deployment and retrieval.
• Cons:
  • Heavier and less maneuverable, requiring larger vehicles for transport.
  • Higher cost and maintenance requirements.

Foam-Equipped Packages:

• Pros:
  • Enhanced fire suppression capabilities, particularly effective for creating fire breaks and handling complex fires.
  • Can significantly reduce water usage.
• Cons:
  • Requires additional training for foam use and proportioning.
  • Foam concentrates add to operational costs and require careful storage and handling.

Econo Pac Package:

• Pros:
  • Lightweight, portable, and affordable—ideal for quick response and smaller scale incidents.
  • Simple operation with minimal setup time, suitable for initial attack and support roles.
• Cons:
  • Limited water capacity and pump power compared to larger units.
  • Lacks integrated foam system, reducing versatility for certain fire scenarios.