Get Nfpa 1901

Fire departments generally commit to the draft or supply location using fire department pumper(s) with a pump capacity of 750 gpm (2850 L/min) or more, and a minimum booster tank size of 500 gal (1900 L).

Class A is a generic term similar to a triple combination pumper. Everyone knows the intent, but there are no formal definitions. Neither belongs in purchasing specifications. Today is not the first time generic, vague, or even regional terms have been used in apparatus specifications.

In most cases, compliance with NFPA standards is voluntary. However, in some cases, federal or state Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) agencies have incorporated wording from NFPA standards into regulations. In these cases, complying with the standards is mandatory.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global self-funded nonprofit organization, established in 1896, devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards.

This standard identifies the minimum job performance requirements (JPRs) for career and volunteer fire fighters whose duties are primarily structural in nature.

NFPA 1901 is a nationwide, nonbinding, voluntary, consensus standard describing minimum requirements for new apparatus. Unless a political subdivision has a law or regulation mandating the purchase of compliant apparatus, a fire department may not legally have to.

As described by National Fire Protection Association: "NFPA 1901 defines the requirements for new automotive fire apparatus designed to be used under emergency conditions for transporting personnel and equipment, and to support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous situations.