WASP WILDFIRE

What is a Type 2 SPU and why do you need one?

British Columbia Wildfire Services and The Office of the Fire Commissioner began development of Type 2 designated mobile structure protection trailers after the devastating fires of 2003, in which hundreds of homes were lost to wildfire in one of the province’s larger cities. During the event, officials

worried they might lose the entire city to the wildfire, as structure fires began to occur miles from the fire line via windblown burning embers.

It became apparent to the province there had to be a better way to protect homes and property that was both effective and conservative with water, as water is usually in short in supply during wildfire events.

Over the next two decades, the province created an equipment list for a Type 2 designated SPU that allows for quick distribution of sprinklers in a trailer that weighs under 10,000 lbs and can be towed into both urban and rural areas by any 3⁄4 ton or larger pickup and most modern 1⁄2 ton pickups. With six gas powered pumps and multiple hydrant connectors, along with the ability to operate sprinklers directly off a home’s existing hose bibs, a Type 2 SPU can protect anywhere from six properties located on the outskirts of a community to over one hundred houses located in a subdivision with city water supply.

The development of these units has been so successful in British Columbia, that there are now over forty-five of these trailers operated by fire departments and independent contractors throughout the province.

Why purchase a WASP Type 2 SPU instead of buying from somewhere else?

While there are other suppliers of SPU trailers, WASP is the only company you should be considering for your purchase. Not only is WASP the largest supplier in North America, it sets the standard for quality.

The trailers are custom designed to exact specifications and include additional features that are not required for provincial use but are still incredibly important to have.

These include:

- Custom Cargo Mate trailers with maximum width and height, non slip flooring, rear ramp door with non slip flooring, additional venting, side person door for additional access, a full fuse panel, LED lighting to conserve battery use while deployed, extended rock guards on the front to protect the trailer during deployment, a five foot tongue for increased maneuverability, exterior lighting surrounding the trailer for safer deployment during darkness, twin 6,000 lb axles for a weight rating of 12,000 lbs as well as highway rated tires.

- The highest quality and brand name equipment including Waterax, Rainbird, Mercedes, Yamaha, Stihl and Milwaukee

- Custom aluminum shelving together with the extra height and width allows the trailer to be fully “walk in”, firefighters can deploy equipment without having to turn sideways or ducking, the custom aluminum shelving also reduces the weight of the trailer. The trailer fully complete and loaded weighs in at under 9400 lbs, well within the towing capacities of most new 1/2 ton pickups. The 12,000 lb weight rating on the trailers also provides for extra equipment to be added if needed.

- The attention to detail is reflected in every component, even down to the quality of the equipment totes which are designed for easy inventory and ease of use.

The largest issue when considering bids is being able to compare them on an apples to apples basis. Most specifications such as the BCWS are generic in nature and allow for a large fluctuation in price depending on the quality of the provided equipment. Don’t make the mistake of paying for more than you get. Let WASP help!

All WASP SPU trailers are fully customizable and we can help to get you exactly what you need. 

If you are interested in purchasing a SPU trailer, make WASP your first call

For More Information - Call - Russ Waldie 604-219-9823 or 1-855-889-4697 or Email - rwaldie@waspwildfire.com

SOME OF OUR TOP BRANDS

Waterax

Niedner Hose

Scotty Firefighter

SEI Industries

WASP is your source for everything wildfire related.

Give us a call or send us an email and we will help you find what you need.