Protect Your Home from Wildfires with the Right Fire Protection System

If you live in a wildfire-prone area, you know the importance of being prepared. Having a dedicated water source and a reliable pump can make all the difference in protecting your home when every second counts.

But where do you start? What size fire protection water tank do you need? What kind of pump works best? Don’t worry—Plastic Mart has you covered! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about wildfire water tanks and pumps so you can be ready for anything.

How Much Water Do You Need for Fire Protection?

One of the first things to figure out is how much water your property needs for wildfire defense. This depends on a few key factors:

Your Property’s Size & Risk Level

• Larger properties with lots of trees and vegetation need more water.
• Homes in dry, drought-prone areas are at higher risk and may need a bigger storage capacity.
• Local fire codes often have specific minimum water requirements, so be sure to check with your local fire department.

Your Available Water Sources

• Do you have a well, municipal water supply, or a swimming pool? These can supplement your fire protection system.
• If you’re relying solely on a storage tank, make sure it holds enough water for your needs.

General Water Storage Recommendations

• 5,000–10,000 gallons: Good for smaller properties.
• 20,000+ gallons: Ideal for larger properties or high-risk wildfire zones.

Tip: If you have a swimming pool, you can use it as an emergency water source! To estimate your pool’s water capacity:

• Multiply length × width × average depth, then:
  • Multiply by 5 for rectangular pools.
  • Multiply by 9 for round pools.
  • Multiply by 7 for oval pools.

Choosing the Right Water Tank for Wildfire Protection

Now that you know how much water you need, let’s talk about the best fire protection water tanks.

Best Water Tank Materials

Fiberglass Tanks
Strong, corrosion-resistant, and built to last. A top choice for wildfire defense!

Steel (NFPA 22 Fire Protection Tanks)
Extremely durable and holds large amounts of water, but requires some maintenance to prevent rust.

Polyethylene Tanks
A budget-friendly option for smaller tanks (under 10,000 gallons), but not as durable for long-term fire protection. We also have underground poly tank options that seamlessly merge with your rainwater collection system

Quick Takeaway: Fiberglass is the best long-term investment, but if you’re looking for a more affordable option, polyethylene works well for basic fire protection.

Where Should You Put Your Water Tank?

• Above-Ground Tanks: Easier to install and maintain. Most homeowners go with this option.
• Underground Tanks: More expensive and requires special installation but keeps things out of sight and saves space.

Want to Collect Rainwater for Fire Protection?

Placing your tank under gutters or downspouts is a smart way to store rainwater! However, you can use a wet rainwater harvesting system if the tank will be placed further from the collection point. Check out our Rainwater Harvesting Guide for expert tips on maximizing your water collection.

The Best Fire Pumps for Wildfire Defense

A water tank alone won’t do much good if you can’t quickly move water to where you need it. That’s why a fire suppression pump is essential.

Why Do You Need a Fire Pump?

• Gravity isn’t enough to create the pressure needed to fight a fire effectively.
• A fire pump delivers water with enough force to reach flames and protect your home.

Types of Fire Pumps & Which One to Choose

High-Pressure Booster Pumps
Best for fire hoses & water cannons. Delivers strong water pressure over long distances.

Centrifugal Transfer Pumps
Great for moving large amounts of water from a pool or pond to a storage tank.

Constant Pressure Pumps
Automatically adjust pressure for consistent water flow—perfect for homes with multiple hoses or sprinkler systems.

Pro Tip: Choose a pump with a high flow rate (GPM) and strong pressure (PSI) to ensure quick and effective fire protection.

Fire Pump Power Options

• Gas-Powered Pumps: Work even during power outages—a smart choice for fire emergencies.
• Electric Pumps: Dependable, but may not work if power is out during a wildfire.

Testing is Key! Make sure to regularly test your pump so it’s ready to go when you need it.

Wildfire Protection Strategies Using Your Water Tank & Pump

Having a water tank and pump is step one, but how do you actually use them during a wildfire? Here are a few smart strategies:

• Hose Down Your Home: Use a high-pressure hose to soak your house, roof, and nearby vegetation before a fire reaches your area.
• Set Up a Sprinkler System: A fire protection tank can feed into an automatic sprinkler system for extra defense.
• Water Cannons: These systems blast water over large areas to keep flames away from your property.
• Use Your Pool or Rainwater Tank: A pump can pull water from these sources for emergency fire suppression.

Maintaining Your Wildfire Water Tank & Pump

Keeping your system in top shape is just as important as having one in the first place! Here’s how to stay prepared year-round:

Regular Inspections

• Check for leaks, cracks, or rust in your tank.
• Inspect hoses, pipes, and connections for any damage.
• Test your pump to make sure it works when needed.

How often? At least once a year—ideally before wildfire season starts.

Winterizing Your Tank & Pump

If you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing, winterizing your system is a must:

• Insulate your tank & pipes to prevent freezing.
• Install a tank heater if needed.
• Drain the pump and any exposed pipes to avoid ice damage.

Want More Winterization Tips? Check out our Guide to Preventing Water Tanks from Freezing Using Heat Blankets.

Stay Prepared with Plastic Mart

Wildfires are unpredictable, but you don’t have to be unprepared. With the right water tank, pump, and fire protection strategy, you can significantly reduce the risk to your home and family.

At Plastic Mart, we’re here to help you choose the best fire protection system for your needs. From high-quality storage tanks to powerful fire pumps, we’ve got everything you need to stay wildfire-ready. Don’t let your legacy go up in flames.

Looking for expert advice? Contact Plastic Mart today and let’s build the perfect fire protection system for your home!