DIY Brush Fire, Fire Truck: Setting Up a 275-Gallon IBC Tote in a Pickup Truck Bed

Materials You’ll Need:

1. 275-Gallon IBC Tote

   • Make sure it’s clean and food-grade if it’s a used tote.

   • Ensure the valve is functioning properly and has standard connections.

2. 1-Inch Gas-Powered Water Pump

   • Look for a pump rated for at least 50 PSI and 50 GPM for effective water pressure.

   • Include intake and discharge hoses compatible with the pump.

3. Fire Hose and Nozzle

   • A 50-foot fire hose with a durable, adjustable nozzle for different spray patterns.

4. Straps and Anchors

   • Heavy-duty ratchet straps or chains to secure the tote to the truck bed.

5. Quick-Connect Fittings

   • For easy attachment and detachment of hoses to the pump and tote.

6. Miscellaneous Tools

   • Wrenches, Teflon tape, and pipe clamps for assembly.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Prepare the IBC Tote

   • Clean the tote thoroughly to remove any residues.

   • Place it in the bed of your pickup truck, ensuring it sits snugly and doesn’t obstruct visibility or vehicle functions.

   • Use heavy-duty ratchet straps or chains to secure the tote tightly to the truck bed.

2. Install the Water Pump

   • Position the pump near the tailgate for easy access.

   • Connect the intake hose to the IBC tote’s outlet valve using quick-connect fittings. Make sure the connection is leak-proof using Teflon tape or gaskets.

   • Attach the discharge hose to the pump and secure it with pipe clamps.

3. Attach the Fire Hose and Nozzle

   • Connect the fire hose to the discharge hose of the pump.

   • Attach the adjustable nozzle to the end of the fire hose.

   • Test the connections to ensure there are no leaks.

4. Fill the Tote

   • Use a nearby water source to fill the IBC tote. Avoid overfilling to maintain safe weight limits for your truck.

   • Ensure your vehicle can handle the added weight. A full 275-gallon tote weighs over 2,200 pounds, so check your truck’s payload capacity.

5. Test the System

   • Start the gas-powered pump and test the spray from the fire hose. Adjust the nozzle for different spray patterns as needed.

   • Practice aiming and controlling the hose to ensure readiness during an emergency.

Safety Tips

• Weight Distribution: Verify your truck’s payload capacity and ensure the weight is evenly distributed.

• Secure the Load: Double-check that the tote and pump are securely strapped down to avoid shifting during transport.

• Fire Safety Training: Familiarize yourself with basic fire suppression techniques and ensure anyone using the system knows how to operate it.

• Emergency Readiness: Keep the fuel for the pump and additional tools like shovels and fire extinguishers on hand.

Conclusion

Creating a DIY brush fire firefighting rig with a 275-gallon IBC tote, a 1-inch gas-powered water pump, and a fire hose nozzle is an affordable and effective way to protect your property. With proper setup and maintenance, this system can give you peace of mind and valuable time in the event of a brush fire. Always prioritize safety and consult local fire regulations to ensure compliance.