Which type of vehicle carries a booster tank as part of its design?

A booster tank is a key component of certain fire apparatus, serving as a water source to facilitate initial firefighting operations when a direct supply from a hydrant is unavailable. The type of vehicle that incorporates a booster tank as part of its standard design is the triple-combination pumper. This vehicle is specifically engineered to combine three essential elements: water pumping capabilities, a water storage tank, and ground ladders.

The inclusion of a booster tank in a triple-combination pumper allows for a quick and efficient response to fires by providing an immediate supply of water. This is crucial in emergency situations where time is of the essence, and firefighters need to begin suppression efforts without delay.

While other vehicles, such as wildland fire apparatus, may also carry water tanks, their design and function are distinct, focusing primarily on brush and wildfire suppression. Rescue vehicles typically prioritize medical response and equipment, rather than firefighting capabilities, and fire command vehicles are designed for incident management and coordination rather than direct fire suppression. Thus, the triple-combination pumper is recognized for its comprehensive design that includes a booster tank, making it the best answer to this question.