Crimson Fire debuted a rapid-response Class A pumper, called the Dakota, at the Fire Rescue International exhibition in Dallas.
The new vehicle combines the features of a mini-pumper with a 1,000 gpm mid-ship pump.
“The Dakota will allow fire departments to purchase a Class A pumper at a much more affordable price, with the added benefits of a rapid-response vehicle,” said Jim Salmi, Crimson Fire president. “The Dakota allows firefighters to take the capabilities of a Class A pumper into locations which were previously limited to mini-pumpers. Its smaller size and ability to traverse rough terrain makes the Dakota ideal for rural and suburban departments, especially as more people relocate into what were mostly rural areas.”
The Dakota, based on a GMC 5500 crew cab and chassis with all-wheel drive, is physically smaller than a traditional Class A pumper, permitting safe maneuvering through challenging, narrow spaces, according to the manufacturer.
Due to its reduced size, firefighters can rapidly deploy the capabilities of a Class A pumper to more locations, such as wooded environments and remote homes, or back alleys of an urban neighborhood.
The 4×4 chassis also means the Dakota can operate in rough terrains, an important feature as many departments wrestle with growing populations in rural areas that are sometimes threatened by wildfires, says Crimson Fire.
For firefighting capabilities, the Dakota has a Waterous CXC10 1,000 gpm midship pump, a FoamPro 1600 and a 300-gallon polypropylene tank.
Other features include enclosed storage at the rear for a 22-foot, three-section, a 10-foot roof, and a 9-foot folding ladder.
The Dakota also has a multiplexed, low-voltage electrical system for enhanced safety interlocking capabilities, and features Crimson Fire’s trademark Vibra-Torq body mounting system to reduce the effects of vibration.
For information call 605-582-4000 or go to www.crimson-fire.com.
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