"Small Pumps Pack a Big Punch," in the January/February 2006 issue of Wildfire, highlighted some compact, lightweight portable pumps suitable for use in a variety of situations.

The pumps range in weight from 60 pounds down to as little as 14 pounds and can deliver high flowrates or high pressures. A few can do both. They are small enough to store in an apparatus compartment without taking too much space, and they’re light enough to be carried easily by one or two people.

Top performers include the Darley 2BE 6.5H pump, which weighs 49 pounds and produces flows up to 275gpm at 12psi for tank refill. The U.S. Coast Guard uses a similar model to pump out sinking ships. Another top performer is the Wildfire Mark 3, which weighs 59 pounds and can produce pressures up to 10gpm at 325psi for direct attack with long hoselays up steep hills. It's been a favorite in forestry operations for decades.

Other models include several lightweight floating pumps for use where there are numerous swimming pools, lakes and other open water sources. The smallest pumps are used to support ground crews in remote locations and can be held in the palm of one hand.