Wildfires burned 2.6 million acres across the United States in 2023, with thousands of homes lost. For rural property owners and volunteer fire departments, the difference between a controlled fire and a disaster often diminishes in response to time – and having the right equipment in traditional fire stations is out of reach.
UTV Fire Skids are a game changer in Wildfire Suppression. These integrated fire protection systems, which contain nutrients measured in the beds of used vehicles, bring fire protection to a special level in remote areas, difficult areas, and places inaccessible to standard equipment.
What are utv fire skids?
The UTV Fire Skid is a complete fire skid system designed to fit in the bed of Utility Terrain vehicles such as the Polaris Ranger or can-AM Defenders. These systems typically include a 50-200 gallon polyethylene water tank, a pump, 100-200 feet of fire hose on reels, and the desired nozzles – everything you need to get effective fire suppression in your package where your UTV can go.
The “Skid” design means you can load and unload the system as needed, making it versatile for dust control, agricultural spraying, and other supplemental firefighting applications.
Why you need one
Availability: wildfires do not follow roads. When flames are raging in ditches, woods, or forty feet beyond your back, the UTV Fire Skid can reach the fire while traditional equipment remains helpless on the nearby road.
First attack: Catching fires in their first minutes improves suppression success. A 100-foot brush fire requires 20-30 gallons of water. Wait 15 minutes, and that same fire can consume acres requiring teams of professionals and thousands of gallons.
Inexpensive Protection: A new fire engine costs $250,000-$400,000. A complete UTV Fire Skid system runs $5,000-$15,000. Even with a new UTV, you’re looking at $25,000-$35,000 which is less than 10% of the cost of a traditional Affatus.
Round-the-year applications: In addition to fire suppression, these systems achieve dust control at construction sites, agricultural applications, limited burn travel, and livestock irrigation in remote pastures.
Electric Vs. Gas: A modern advantage
Traditional powered fire skids have worked well for decades, but today’s electric systems offer compelling advantages that are revolutionizing the industry.
Electric systems: Today’s electric pumps run on Lithium Polymer (Lipo) batteries that charge continuously from your ITV UTV with an integrated Inverter system. As you drive through the fire, your batteries start automatically. During operation, the large battery capacity provides constant power delivery without having to carry fuel.
The Blz Redline electric system shows what’s possible with the latest technology—delivering 175 psi at 16 GPM, matching or gas-powered systems while offering:
Silent operation for clear communication during firefighting with neighbors
- Quick activation – flip a switch, no pull start or warm engine
- Zero Emissions and no exhaust fumes
- Minor maintenance – no oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, or carburetor cleaning
- All-day readiness with continuous alternator charging
- Cold weather reliability without starting problems
- Vibration free operation for component life
Annual maintenance on electrical systems typically costs $450-$1,000 compared to $700-$1,800 for gas systems. Over a decade, reduced maintenance typically costs $1,000-$3,000 more initially.
Electric systems: still available for those interested, gas pumps offer proven technology and independent power sources. However, they require regular engine maintenance, fuel storage management, and come with high performance that makes communication difficult during fire operations.
Important factors to consider
Tank Capacity: Most users find 100-150 liters ideal, providing 10-15 minutes of operation while remaining portable with a typical UTVS. Always verify your UTV load capacity
Pump performance: Look for systems that deliver at least 10 GPM at 150 PSI for effective fire suppression. High pressure pumps such as the Blz’s 16 gpm Blz at 175 psis provide technical grade performance.
Hose and delivery: Quality systems include 100-200 feet of fire-rated hose with flexible fog nozzles. High speed transmissions, and electrical systems can run these from the same battery bank as the pump.
Build Quality: Heavy-duty steel frames, powder coating, powsass fitment, and a decent tank separate the technical machines from the budget alternatives.
Why blz fire skids lead the industry
Blz Fire Skids specializes in mobile firefighting equipment, bringing technology focused on UTV applications. Their engineering team includes wildland firefighters who understand the real world containment needs.
Blz redline represents the pinnacle of UPV Firefighting Technology. This electric system delivers technical performance (175 psi at 16 GPM) while removing the burden of maintenance and operation of gas engines. The Advanced Lipo battery system integrates seamlessly with your UPV electrical system, keeping you ready for all extended missions without comment.
Real-World users praise the fast, quick operation during emergencies, the quiet operation that facilitates communication, and the ease of use of the small motor’s refinement. One Colorado rancher commented: “I saw the smoke and I was completely overwhelmed in seconds – there’s no pulling when you’re watching a fire grow.”
Check out the complete Blz line at Wildfireskids.com, where detailed information and expert guidance help match programs to your specific needs.
Getting started
Match your UTV: Make sure your UTV has enough payload capacity (typically 1,000+ pounds required) and, for electrical systems, today’s output of UTVS (full size UTVs).
Think about your needs: the size of the building, the location, the distance from professional fire services, and the intended use of the fire extinguisher all influence the good plan.
Total ownership budget: while Electric Systems are more expensive initially, reduced maintenance and fuel savings often result in a total loss of the system over 15-20 years.
Get Training: Even the best machines require experience. Many fire departments offer training for private property owners. Understanding Fire Behavior and Safety Policies is important regardless of decorative equipment.
Bottom line
Wildfire threats continue to grow as climate change extends fire seasons and development extends into wildlands. UTV Fire Skids offers an accessible Fire Deviteble, cost-effective fire protection that complements professional services by enabling a quick first attack and access that traditional equipment cannot.
The evolution of electrical systems often involves the development of real developments that combine technical grade performance with practical functionality that encourages routine use, and ensures familiarity when emergencies arise. Systems like the Blz Redline demonstrate that today’s electric pumps are energy efficient while delivering many efficiency advantages over traditional gas engines.
Whether you are protecting a rural home, managing thousands of acres, or working with a Volunteer Fire Department, fire suppression equipment deserves serious consideration. The question is the question no fires will appear – they will. The question is whether you will have the tools to respond effectively when they do.
Visit Wildfireskids.com to check out Blz’s complete line of electric and gas skids, and take the first step in complete fire maintenance.
