BLZ Fire Skids shipped several electric UTV fire skids to Idaho for wildfire response during the 2026 fire season. The Alabama-built units put a water tank, hose and battery-powered pump aboard a utility side-by-side, giving crews a compact way to reach places that may be difficult to access with a larger engine.
For fire departments, utility crews, ranchers and landowners, a UTV-mounted skid can help with spot fires, prescribed-burn support, property protection and mop-up. Its role depends on the fire conditions, crew training, available water and the vehicle’s carrying capacity.
“We’re proud to build American-made firefighting systems that give first responders, landowners, and utility crews a reliable tool for protecting lives, property, and natural resources,” said Will Parker of BLZ Fire Skids.
How the Electric Fire Skid Works
BLZ uses a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery to power the pump instead of a separate gasoline engine. That removes the pump engine’s pull-start procedure, fuel supply and carburetor upkeep. The UTV still needs its own fuel or charge, and crews must keep the skid’s battery ready for use.
BLZ calls its vehicle-connected charging setup Fight-Finity™. The system charges the skid battery from a compatible UTV’s electrical system while the vehicle is running. BLZ also offers a separate AC charger for operators who want to charge from a wall outlet. Actual operating time and charging performance will depend on the installation and use.
Why a UTV Matters in Wildfire Response
A utility side-by-side can travel along narrow trails, fence lines and service roads where a full-size fire truck may have limited access. A skid gives that vehicle its own water supply and hose for work near the fireline or around rural property. BLZ also makes gas-powered systems and larger skids for trucks and other utility vehicles.
Before fitting any fire skid, operators should check the UTV’s bed and total payload ratings, the skid’s filled weight, secure mounting, electrical compatibility and the intended hose and water needs. Water alone weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon, so tank size matters as much as the dry weight of the equipment.
“We built BLZ Fire Skids to solve real problems in the field,” Parker said. “Our goal has never been to build another fire skid. We wanted to build a system that’s simple, dependable, and ready to work every time someone turns the key.”
BLZ designs and assembles its fire skids in Roanoke, Alabama. The Idaho shipment illustrates a practical use for utility UTVs beyond recreation and routine property work: carrying a purpose-built water system to locations where mobility is critical. See the BLZ UTV and ATV fire skid lineup for current configurations, and explore our Polaris RANGER coverage for more on utility side-by-sides.
