What is the minimum rating for a pump on a pumper according to NFPA 1901?

The minimum rating for a pump on a pumper according to NFPA 1901 is established at 500 GPM (gallons per minute). This standard is intended to ensure that fire apparatuses have adequate pumping capacity to respond effectively to various firefighting scenarios. A 500 GPM rating allows for sufficient water flow to combat structure fires and manage other emergency situations effectively.

Having a pump with this minimum rating is particularly important as it ensures that the fire department can deliver enough water to establish an effective firefighting operation, support initial attack efforts, and provide sufficient flow for additional suppression needs, such as protecting exposures or supporting multiple hoselines. Standards like NFPA 1901 help to ensure consistency and readiness in fire protection capabilities across different departments.