Wisconsin Fire Journal

Chetek Chief Ryan Olson’s department has been helping K3 Fire, Inc. field test a new line of ultra-high-pressure (UHP) tools. Following nearly two years of collaborative work, they’ve also become the first customer. 

Chief Brian Haferman of Hewitt recently stepped in to assist too. “After using the tool, I was impressed how simple and compact it was. So, I wanted to get involved. I had it at a live burn and everyone was surprised by how effective it was. We were only flowing 20 GPM of ultra-high and it dropped the container fire 400⁰ in less than two seconds.” 

UHP’s big advantage is that it breaks the nozzle flow into very small droplets. They are able to absorb much more heat energy, which results in less water damage, less carcinogen run off, and 80% less water for the same suppression. 

Chief Haferman also works in apparatus sales at S&R Fire in Marshfield. Following a recent demo, S&R was given the go-ahead to install the UHP pump on a truck they’re building for Hayward Township Fire. Chief Haferman went on to say, “We’re fully integrating it into the truck. It’ll take up almost no room and will provide UHP water by simply pulling a discharge handle on the pump panel.” 

Toby Kutrieb of K3 Fire added, “We’re super appreciative of Brian’s help. S&R is the first to install on a new truck build.” 

The new UHP pump is called “TurboDrive™”. It just needs one discharge off the truck to drive it and only about 1.5 cubic feet of space. It’s offered as three separate products: 

Portable: For setting on the corner of a drop tank. 

Brush Truck: Offering dual flow (traditional flow and UHP on the same skid). 

Pumper: Bolted above the tank of a new or existing truck. 

Mike Kutrieb, K3 Fire’s co-founder and president stated that “Our technical approach offers the firefighter UHP capability at a fraction of the cost, size and complexity of other systems.” 

Mr. Kutrieb continued with, “During our most recent demonstrations, departments were surprised by the ease of use and just how small our UHP amplifier pump is. My idea was to eliminate the need for an extra small engine, electronics, batteries, fuel tanks and the like and simply use some of the truck discharge to drive the UHP pump. We do that with our compact, aero- inspired turbine 

The company offers four quick-connect, interchangeable nozzle attachments: Elkhart Pistol Grip, Udor non-aspirated, Udor air-aspirated and TurboPierce™ abrasive piercing gun. The gun can also quick-connect to other compatable UHP systems. 

Due to a recent hard to reach attic fire, Chetek’s Chief Olson was mostly interested in the piercing gun. The gun creates a small hole to push UHP water into contained fire scenarios. It will pierce concrete foundations, metal and really any construction material. 

K3 Fire, Inc. was founded in Chetek, WI by three brothers that have an aerospace engineering and manufacturing background. 

For more information, contact K3 Fire’s Mike Kutrieb at: mikek@k3fire.com visit www.k3fire.com or call Mike in Chetek at 715-205-2000 for a demonstration.