The Smith Indian Fire Pump has been a prominent name in the wildland fire arena since 1925, with a rich history dating back to the company’s inception in 1888 . Developed initially in 1920 by The Fountainhead Group – D.B. Smith, the pump was designed to aid firefighters in combating brush, grass, rubbish, and forest fires .
This article will delve into the design, materials, pump mechanism, performance, ease of use, maintenance, and value for money of the Smith Indian Fire Pump, exploring its evolution and significance in the field of wildland firefighting 1.
Design and Materials
Smith Indian Fire Pump is available in a variety of materials to suit different firefighting applications and environments :
- Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, ideal for applications where weight is a concern 2.
- Stainless Steel: Highly resistant to corrosion and wear, suitable for harsh environments and applications involving chemicals . The 90S Stainless Steel model features a 5-gallon chrome-plated tank with a kidney shape design and contoured back support .
- Cast Iron: Durable and resistant to wear, but heavier than aluminum and stainless steel 2.
- Brass and Bronze: Resistant to corrosion, with brass providing a classic appearance and bronze being highly resistant to corrosion in seawater environments . The pump is made from two seamless brass cylinders with a guide bushing on the inner cylinder for smooth operation .
- Nickel Alloy: Extremely resistant to corrosion and wear, ideal for high-temperature and high-pressure applications 2.
The Smith Indian Fire Pump is also available in various configurations, including :
- Galvanized Steel (90G): 5-gallon capacity, chrome-plated Smith all-brass pump, lumbar support, kidney shape design with contoured back support, reinforced brass outlet with filter screen, ventilated cap with cam-lock design and gasket, and a large 4″ tank opening for easy filling.
- Poly Tank: 10% lighter than steel tanks, with the same five-gallon capacity .
- Collapsible: The Smokechaser Fire Pump is made of a strong polyester fabric encased in tough vinyl, completely rust-proof, with a solid brass pump and positive shutoff at any position . It eliminates storage problems encountered with metal tanks and conforms to the back for comfortable carrying .
- Poly Tank with Fedco Pump: Similar to the galvanized steel model but with a different brass pump .
Over the years, the Smith Indian Fire Pump has evolved to cater to various firefighting needs, with models featuring different tank materials, pump designs, and capacities . All Indian fire pumps come standard with a combination nozzle approved by the U.S. Forestry Service and are proudly made in the USA .
Pump Mechanism and Performance
Indian Smith Fire Pump is designed to help firefighters battle brush, grass, rubbish, and forest fires, providing consistent water flow without operator fatigue 2. The pump is made from two seamless brass cylinders with a guide bushing on the inner cylinder for smooth operation 12. The reinforced brass outlet and filter screen prevent clogging, ensuring smooth operation 12.
Key features of the Smith Indian Fire Pump include:
- Quick priming and quick connect attachment for easy use
- Ventilated cap with cam lock design and gasket to prevent leaks and provide a positive shutoff at any position 12
- Reflective piping for visibility in low-light conditions
- Large filler cap for easy filling
- Dual handles for improved handling and control
- Wedge shape design nylon pack for comfortable carrying
The development of the Smith Indian Fire Pump has been influenced by the evolution of fire apparatus pumps over time . The first motorized pump standard was developed by the National Board of Fire Underwriters (NBFU) and the International Association of Fire Engineers . Today, pumper requirements are outlined in the NFPA 1901: Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, which considers seven pump capacities as being standard for the fire service . Fire department purchase contracts specify the required capacity of the fire pump, and pumps manufactured today must conform to the requirements of NFPA 1901 . All Indian fire pumps come standard with a combination nozzle approved by the U.S. Forestry Service and are made in the USA .
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The Indian Smith Fire Pump (Model 179015-17) is designed for easy use, featuring a large 4″ tank opening for hassle-free filling and a combination nozzle that allows quick switching between straight stream and fan spray 12. The pump is compatible with major frameworks, including JAX, PyTorch, and TensorFlow through native Keras 3.0, making it simple to integrate into existing workflows .
To ensure proper usage and maintenance, the manufacturer provides a comprehensive documentation library, which includes:
- Safety precautions
- Carry rack instructions
- User manual
Replacement parts can be easily found on the manufacturer’s website, ensuring convenient maintenance and longevity of the pump . The maintenance instructions include:
- Disconnecting the hose
- Removing the cap
- Replacing the liner
Equipment storage instructions are also provided, such as feeding the quick connect fitting through the smaller opening in the backpack and installing the retaining ring into the outlet fitting groove. Service kits, which include parts for the pumps, are available to ensure their longevity and make maintenance easy and cost-effective .
The Smith Indian Fire Pump has been trusted by wildland warriors for over 90 years, aiding in the prevention of wildfire spread, demonstrating its ease of use and reliability . The Smokechaser Pro Soft Pack offers several storage features for added convenience:
- A large pocket for carrying hand tools
- A large pocket across the bag’s bottom
- A side pocket for the brass pump
- Straps for securing small items
Price and Value for Money
The Smith Indian Fire Pump is available in various models and materials, each with a different price point to suit different budgets and firefighting needs:
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| D.B. Smith Indian Tank Galvanized Fire Pump (179014-1) | $240.99 18 |
| Smokechaser Vinyl Tank 5 Gal Fire Pump | $199.99 19 |
| 5 Gal 500 FER Poly Fire Pump (190191) | $199.99 19 |
| Smokechaser Vinyl Tank with Pistol Grip | $184.00 19 |
| 5-Gallon Stainless Steel Fire Pump with Smith Pump | $317.00 19 |
| Pro 5-Gallon Fire Pump with Fedco Pump | $225.00 19 |
| Stainless Steel Fire Pump | $278.00 (MSRP $340.00) 20 |
| Galvanized Fire Pump | $196.00 (MSRP $252.00) 20 |
| Poly Fire Pump | $162.00 (MSRP $215.00) 20 |
| Vinyl Collapsible Fire Pump | $158.00 (MSRP $215.00) 20 |
| Dual Bag Tank Fire Pump | $198.00 (MSRP $252.00) 20 |
| Smokechaser Vinyl Bag with Pistol Grip Pump | $165.00 (MSRP $225.00) 20 |
The 179014-1 D B Smith Indian Tank
Galvanized Fire Pump has a regular price of $240.99, with a discount of $9.74 on Amazon, bringing the final price to $231.. Additional protection plans are available for purchase, with a 3-Year Protection Plan for $39.99 and a 4-Year Protection Plan for $52.99 .
The stainless steel model is priced over $100 more than the poly tank model . The Indian Fire Pump FER500 Poly Smith Pump Tank, 5 Gallon model is priced at $199.99 and has a dual nozzle that changes quickly from stream to spray without tools . The Indian Fire Pump FSV500 Collapsible Vinyl, 5 Gallon w/ Fedco Pump model is priced at $199.99 and has a premium Smith pump that will give years of bind-free use .
The Indian Fire Pump FER501 Poly Tank, 5 Gallon w/ Fedco Pump model is priced at $169.99 and has a reinforced brass outlet with a filter screen to prevent clogging . The Indian Fire Pump FSV500PG Collapsible Vinyl, 5 Gallon w/ Pistol Grip Fedco Pump model is priced at $183.75 and has a ventilated cap with cam-lock design and gasket to prevent leaks . The Indian Fire Pump FGV500 USFS Approved Vinyl Tank, USFS Straps w/ Fedco Pump model is priced at $196.25 and has a large 4″ tank opening for easy filling .
The Smith Indian Fire Pump is also available in various service kits, carry racks, replacement liners, and pumps, with prices ranging from $217 to $388 . It’s important to note that prices from a screenshot of a product cannot be honored due to occasional changes , and a 5% cancellation fee is charged for all canceled credit card orders .
Conclusion
The Smith Indian Fire Pump has been a trusted tool in wildland firefighting for nearly a century. Its design has evolved to accommodate various firefighting needs, with models featuring different tank materials, pump designs, and capacities. The pump’s ease of use, reliable performance, and availability of replacement parts have made it a valuable asset for firefighters battling brush, grass, rubbish, and forest fires.
While the price of the Smith Indian Fire Pump varies depending on the model and materials, its longevity and effectiveness in the field make it a worthwhile investment for those in need of a dependable firefighting tool. As the Smith Indian Fire Pump continues to adapt to the ever-changing demands of wildland firefighting, it remains a testament to the importance of quality equipment in protecting lives and property from the devastating effects of fire.
FAQs
What is the origin and development of the Smith Indian fire pump?
The Smith Indian fire pump was created to aid firefighters in effectively combating brush, grass, rubbish, and forest fires. This pump was developed by The Fountainhead Group – D.B. Smith in 1920, providing firefighters with the necessary mobility to quickly extinguish fires by delivering a consistent flow of water without causing operator fatigue.
Can you provide a brief history of fire pumps?
Firefighting techniques date back to the 2nd century when an Egyptian named Ctesibus from Alexandria invented a simple hand pump capable of shooting a stream of water. However, this technology was forgotten until around AD 1500 when the fire pump was reinvented.
How are fire pumps typically activated?
Fire pumps are usually powered by electricity, steam, or combustible fuels. They are designed to connect to an external water supply to ensure that the water levels remain unaffected by the water usage of the building. Some fire pumps can also be connected to an independent water source such as a well or a water reservoir.
