BLZ Fire Skids launches Guardian 80 electric UTV fire skid

BLZ Fire Skids has introduced the Guardian 80™, an 80-gallon electric UTV fire skid built for wildland response, brush fires and other initial-attack work. The new model pairs higher water capacity with onboard charging aimed at keeping crews working longer in the field.

Why it matters: - Wildfire seasons are stretching longer across much of the U.S., pushing fire departments and other crews toward equipment that can reach fires before they grow. - The Guardian 80 adds more water capacity to a UTV platform without sacrificing maneuverability in trails, fence lines, wooded terrain, utility rights-of-way and other hard-to-reach areas. - The system is aimed at fire departments, utility companies, forestry crews, ranches, municipalities and landowners.

What happened: - BLZ Fire Skids announced the Guardian 80™, a new electric UTV fire skid. - The company says the unit expands its product line with a larger-capacity firefighting platform for wildland response, brush fires, prescribed burns, structure protection and rapid attack operations. - Every Guardian 80 is designed and assembled in Roanoke, Alabama.

The details: - The Guardian 80 centers on an 80-gallon water tank and the BLZ Redline™ electric pump system. - The pump delivers up to 16 gallons per minute. - The skid comes standard with 125 feet of 3/4-inch firefighting hose, an adjustable spray nozzle, a heavy-duty hose reel, an onboard battery system and a smart charger. - BLZ Fire Skids says the welded skid frame, operator-focused control layout and compact footprint allow the system to fit popular utility vehicles, including the Polaris Ranger and Can Am Defender. - The electric platform uses LiFePO₄, or lithium iron phosphate, battery technology. - BLZ Fire Skids says the electric setup removes pull starts, carburetors, gasoline engines and many maintenance items tied to conventional fire skids. - The company’s Fight-Finity™ onboard charging system recharges the battery pack while the UTV is running. - BLZ Fire Skids says that lets operators keep the firefighting system powered throughout the workday. - BLZ Fire Skids manufactures electric and gas-powered firefighting systems for UTVs and trucks used by fire departments, volunteer departments, utility contractors, forestry professionals, industrial facilities, agricultural operations and private landowners across North America. - The Guardian 80 joins the Scout 45 and Ranger 60 in the company’s lineup.

Between the lines: - The launch reflects rising demand for smaller, more mobile wildfire-response equipment as agencies look for faster initial attack. - The emphasis on onboard charging suggests BLZ Fire Skids is targeting crews that need extended runtime without stopping for external charging. - Will Parker of BLZ Fire Skids said the Guardian 80 was built for customers who wanted more water capacity without sacrificing simplicity and reliability. - Parker said the combination of the BLZ Redline™ electric pump and Fight-Finity™ charging system gives operators a platform that is ready to work when they arrive on scene.

What's next: - BLZ Fire Skids appears to be positioning the Guardian 80 as another size-and-capacity option for buyers choosing between the Scout 45, Ranger 60 and the new larger model. - The company says it will keep developing practical electric firefighting systems as electric equipment gains wider acceptance in the industry. - More information is available on BLZ Fire Skids' LinkedIn page, Facebook profile and YouTube channel.