Fortress delivers high quality mixing tank for Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) at U.S. Forest Service Medford Air Tanker Base (ATB) Medford, OR. - Fortress® North America was selected by the U.S. Forest Service to design and manufacture a 16,000-gallon, mobile, retardant mixing tank. The contract was awarded February 16, 2021 with the requirement to deliver the tank for the 2021 fire season.
The Medford ATB required a mobile retardant mixing tank for use during the fire season, but with the ability to relocate the tank during the off-season. The FORTRESS tank/trailer design efficiently meets the mobility requirement. The tank contract specified use of carbon steel, top and side access, integrated axle, and top walkway with folding railings. Working together, Forest Service and FORTRESS personnel perfected the final design details to ensure that the product met, and exceeded, the customer’s expectations. FORTRESS is a next-generation fire retardant company that has the expertise and resources needed to design and build state-of-the-art mixing and manufacturing equipment. “As a full-service fire-retardant company, we are engaged in all segments of the fire-retardant delivery system”, noted Robert Burnham, Fortress’ CEO. The tank/trailer was delivered on May 24th, followed by the government inspection and acceptance.
The Forest Service and Fortress enjoyed a very positive working relationship during the contracting and fabrication process. Fortress North America appreciates the opportunity to work with the U.S. Forest Service in designing and fabricating a state-of-the-art tank/trailer that will meet their needs well into the future. About FORTRESS With corporate locations in Montana and California, FORTRESS, is a new and innovative fire-retardant company that has designed and developed the FORTRESS family of “21st Century” long term fire retardants. Engineered for environmental safety and superior efficacy, the FORTRESS products out-perform the legacy products currently in use.
