What is a Type 4 Fire Engine? A Complete Guide

Today is Thursday, March 20, 2025. Let’s talk about fire engines. Not just any fire engine, but a special kind – the Type 4 fire engine.

What is a Type 4 Fire Engine?

A Type 4 fire engine is a wildland firefighting vehicle made for rough terrains. It has the right mix of water capacity and maneuverability. This makes it perfect for fighting fires in hard-to-reach places.

Type 4 engines are part of a big family of fire trucks. But they have a special job – fighting fires in the wild. These trucks can go where big city fire trucks can’t.

Key Features of a Type 4 Fire Engine

Design and Purpose

Type 4 fire engines have a balanced design. They are made to:

• Carry enough water
• Move well on rough ground
• Get to fires in wild areas
• Work well in hard places

They are not as big as city fire trucks. But they are perfect for the job they do.

Technical Specs

Let’s look at what makes a Type 4 fire engine special:

Feature	Type 4 Fire Engine	Other Types
Water Tank	750 gallons minimum	Type 3: 500 gallons<br>Type 1: Much more
Pump Flow	50 gallons per minute	Type 3: 150 gallons per minute
Chassis Type	Medium truck or pickup chassis	Type 1: Heavy duty
Drive System	4×4 (four-wheel drive)	Type 1: Often 2-wheel drive
Crew Size	3-4 firefighters	Type 1: 6-8 firefighters
Weight Range	Medium weight	Type 1: Very heavy

As you can see, the Type 4 has a bigger water tank than a Type 3 (750 vs. 500 gallons). But its pump is not as strong (50 vs. 150 gallons per minute).

Equipment

All Type 4 engines must have:

• A pump that can lift water from 10 feet away
• Basic wildland fire tools
• Hoses made for wildland fires
• Safety gear for the crew

Some Type 4 engines also have foam systems. These help put out fires better.

How Type 4 Fire Engines Compare to Other Types

Fire engines come in many types. Each one has its own job. Let’s see how Type 4 stands next to others:

Type 4 vs. Type 3

• Water capacity: Type 4 has more water (750+ gallons vs. 500+ gallons)
• Pump power: Type 3 has a stronger pump (150 gpm vs. 50 gpm)
• Best use: Type 3 works well in mixed areas; Type 4 is best for wild areas

Type 4 vs. Type 1/2

• Design: Type 1/2 are made for city fires; Type 4 for wild fires
• Equipment: Type 1/2 carry more tools and gear
• Size: Type 1/2 are much bigger and heavier
• Water: Type 1 pumps move much more water (1,000+ gpm)
• Crew: Type 1 carries more firefighters

Type 4 vs. Type 5/6/7

• Size: Type 4 is bigger than Types 5-7
• Water: Type 4 carries more water than smaller types
• Use: All are for wildland fires, but Type 4 has more water

Where and How Type 4 Fire Engines Are Used

Type 4 fire engines have special jobs. They go where other trucks can’t.

Main Uses

• Wildland fires – forest fires, brush fires, grass fires
• Hard terrain – mountains, hills, off-road areas
• Water supply – bringing water to remote fire spots
• First attack – getting to fires fast before they grow big

Working with Other Fire Trucks

Type 4 engines don’t work alone. They team up with:

• Type 6 engines – smaller, more agile trucks
• Water tenders – big trucks that carry lots of water
• Hand crews – firefighters on foot who cut fire lines

Emergency Fire Rescue Trucks often work with Type 4 engines to save lives and stop fires.

Buying and Maintaining a Type 4 Fire Engine

If your fire team needs a Type 4 engine, here’s what to know:

What to Look For

• Strong 4×4 system – to handle rough ground
• Right water tank size – at least 750 gallons
• Pump that works well – even if not super powerful
• Good ground clearance – to drive over rocks and logs
• Strong frame – but not too heavy

Costs

Type 4 fire engines can cost:

• New: $150,000 to $300,000
• Used: Much less, but check condition

CAFS Air Supply Fire Trucks cost more but offer better foam systems for fighting fires.

Maintenance Tips

To keep a Type 4 engine ready:

• Check the air filters often
• Test the four-wheel drive system
• Make sure the pump works right
• Keep the water tank clean
• Follow the maintenance schedule in the manual

Real-World Performance

Type 4 fire engines prove their worth every fire season. Here’s how they do:

Response Time

Type 4 engines can get to fires fast. They are not as quick on roads as bigger trucks. But they shine when the fire is off-road. Their 4×4 drive helps them get where they need to go.

Water Delivery

A Type 4 can bring 750+ gallons of water to a fire. This is enough to:

• Fight a small fire
• Hold a bigger fire until more help comes
• Protect a house or building

Team Work

The best way to use Type 4 engines is with other trucks. A Type 4 can bring water. Then smaller Type 6 trucks can take that water to spots even harder to reach.

Self-Loading Fire Trucks can work well with Type 4 engines to move water where it’s needed most.

Limitations of Type 4 Fire Engines

Type 4 engines are great for their job. But they can’t do everything:

Not for City Fires

Type 4 engines don’t have:

• Tall ladders
• Big water pumps
• Tools for building fires

Not for Big Teams

• Type 4 engines carry only 3-4 firefighters
• This is good for quick work but not for big jobs

Not the Fastest

• Type 4 engines aren’t made for high speed
• They are made for rough ground, not highways

Questions People Ask About Type 4 Fire Engines

Why Type 4 Fire Engines Matter

Type 4 fire engines fill an important gap:

• Bigger than small brush trucks
• More agile than city fire engines
• More water than pickup truck fire units
• Better off-road than most fire trucks

As wildfires get worse each year, Type 4 engines become more important. They help stop fires before they grow too big.

Training for Type 4 Engine Crews

To use a Type 4 engine well, crews need special training:

Required Training

• The NWCG’s PMS 310-1 training
• Annual safety refresher (RT-130)
• Specific Type 4 engine operation classes
• Pump operation training
• Off-road driving skills

Maintenance Training

Crews also learn:

• Daily engine checks
• How to clean air filters
• Pump maintenance
• Four-wheel drive system care

The Future of Type 4 Fire Engines

Fire engines keep getting better. New Type 4 engines have:

• Better fuel economy
• More safety features
• Improved pumps
• Better foam systems
• Computer-aided controls

As climate change makes wildfires worse, Type 4 engines will keep getting more important and more advanced.

Summary: Why Type 4 Fire Engines Are Special

Type 4 fire engines are wildland firefighting specialists. They have:

• The right amount of water (750+ gallons)
• Good maneuverability on rough ground
• Enough pump power for the job (50+ gpm)
• The right crew size (3-4 firefighters)
• 4×4 capability to reach hard spots

They fill the gap between big city fire engines and small brush trucks. This makes them key tools for fighting wildfires.

As we see more wildfires each year, Type 4 fire engines help keep our wild lands and nearby homes safe.

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Want to Learn More?

If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:

Dry Powder and Foam Fire Trucks – Another specialized fire fighting vehicle
Emergency Rescue Fire Trucks – Learn about trucks made for saving lives
High-Pressure Fire Trucks with CAFS – Advanced fire suppression technology

Remember: The right truck for the right job saves lives and property!