Minimum tank size on a quint?

• A. 200 gal
• B. 400 gal
• C. 300 gal
• D. 500 gal

Answer: (C)

A quint is a combined fire pump, water supply, and aerial device designed to provide immediate firefighting capability with its own onboard water. The minimum tank size is set to ensure there is enough water on board to begin suppression without waiting for a supply line, while keeping weight and maneuverability reasonable. The baseline capacity of 300 gallons gives a practical balance: it provides a usable initial water supply for early knockdown and allows the vehicle to remain nimble and within design limits. A smaller tank, like 200 gallons, could leave crews short on water early in an attack, whereas larger tanks (400 or 500 gallons) exceed the minimum and aren’t required for standard configurations.