The Velocity Fire Force Tanker

velocity a KTTV

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A HOLLYWOOD STUNT-MAN HAS DEVELOPED WHAT HE THINKS could be a valuable resource for the incessant wildfires that occur in California and elsewhere every year. George Sack has built a specially-designed tanker truck that blasts water and retardant ahead of oncoming flames. Dubbed by Sack as the Velocity Fire Force, it has a shotgun-style nozzle that lays down a blanket of water or fire retardant up to 200 ft. away to act as a barrier to fire spread.

KTTV Ch. 11 filed this video report on his innovative tanker:

Sack has spent about five years developing and building his truck and has offered to sub-contract it to fire protection agencies for firefighting duty. So far he hasn’t been able to convince any of them to try his approach.

Velocity Fire Force has a website HERE and has also produced this promotional video:

Also on FireGeezer…

Tanker Fire Near Dallas – November 30, 2009
Spectacular Tanker Fire in Austria – December 5, 2009

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Ray

I would love to see this device have a fair test. I would love to see it pass the test and be a useful tool to the guys out there who need it. Everything will come down to the economics. Will it work, how much will it cost, and is it cheaper to continue having people on the east coast rebuild in an area that should never been developed in the first place.

Chief_RamblingChief

That is the largest darn dry chem extinguisher I've ever seen. Unfortunately, dry chem does not work well on wildland fires and has inherent respiratory risks... as you watch the "operator" run away from the platform. Also, in the "YouTube" promotional video, I would recommend that it should be spell checked before release. At the end of the video.... it shows the tried and true water delivery system.... a system that can deliver foam, gels, or retardant.

Reid

The concept is neat,it reminds me of a dry chem. extinguisher But i think Steve is right, we as the fire community need to see it put to the test in a real wild fire scenario. The burning oil drums work for a stationary fuel. But unlike a wildfire that is wind driven the fire moves and flows. The question is how often and how hard is it to refill, is their a support unit that follows the truck to refill the truck or tender. If the truck is to dispense all of its retardant in 4 or 5 minutes do they need to return to a heli base or to a safe staging area to refill. How about the wind in a raging fire that creates its own wind will this stuff just blow all around. many more questions? but i will save some for everyone else.

Steve

Ok Ill be the first to admit I have zero knowledge about wildfire firefighting...but I got to ask...how well does retardant stand up to a fire storm? Is it worth the cost and effort? Just asking, cause I dont know. Thing tanker may have some serious uses. If he wants the fire community to use it, he will need a live fire demonstration.