The initial Attack - what it is and what it is not
Initial Attack Apparatus – What It Is and What It Is Not
By John Hanson
Fire departments today face increasing pressure to respond quickly and effectively to a wide variety of emergencies, often with limited staffing and resources. The initial attack apparatus is built to meet that challenge; a nimble, versatile unit that can begin operations immediately while larger, more specialized apparatus are still enroute. Understanding both its role and its limitations is essential for making the right apparatus choice.
The initial attack fire apparatus was first recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 1991 with the publication of NFPA 1902. In 1996, it was incorporated into NFPA 1901, and most recently, in 2024, it became part of the consolidated NFPA 1900 standard. The original 1902 publication established performance and design requirements for a smaller, quick-response fire apparatus intended for initial fire attack.
According to NFPA 1900 (Table 8.1), an initial attack apparatus must meet the following minimum requirements:
250 GPM pump
200-gallon tank
22 cubic feet of equipment storage
37 cubic feet of hose storage
2 wheel chocks
5 traffic cones
5 illuminated traffic warning devices
One of the most important parts of working with a customer on an initial attack apparatus is setting clear expectations of what it is, and what it is not. We never want a customer to purchase this type of apparatus with unrealistic assumptions. The best way to explain its purpose is to emphasize the first word in its description: Initial.
This apparatus is designed to handle the initial response to a wide range of emergencies by carrying essential equipment to begin operations until additional units arrive. That doesn’t mean it can’t handle certain calls on its own for example, an odor investigation or a citizen assist. In other cases, such as a motor vehicle accident, it may begin extrication with a Combi tool while awaiting the arrival of a Heavy Rescue with more advanced equipment.
Some departments may want their initial attack apparatus configured primarily for fire attack, while others may need one tailored more toward rescue operations. This is where Spencer Fire Apparatus sets itself apart. We are a true custom builder—we don’t produce a “standard” initial attack apparatus.
One of the key limitations of any initial attack unit is the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the chassis. A “standard” apparatus might appear acceptable on paper, but if it’s overloaded with water, equipment and heavy hose loads, the strain on the powertrain, braking system, and suspension can lead to premature failures.
At Spencer, we approach this differently. We begin with conversations about how your department plans to use the apparatus and what equipment you intend to carry. From there, we engineer the apparatus to match those needs. For example, if your department requires a large complement of tools and gear, we may recommend reducing the water tank size. If your priority is fire attack, we might specify a larger pump, up to 1500 GPM, while limiting the equipment load to stay within chassis capacity.
Our goal is straightforward: to deliver an initial attack apparatus that not only meets your operational requirements but also ensures long-term reliability by keeping every component within its designed limits.
In our next article, we’ll explore how an initial attack apparatus can enhance response capabilities for both full-time and volunteer fire departments